Massachusetts State Police must reinstate seven state troopers who were suspended after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, an independent abritrator has ruled.
In August 2021, Gov. Charlie Baker mandated COVID-19 vaccines for all state employees. The troopers involved in this case had remained on unpaid leave after claiming a religious exemption from mandated COVID-19 vaccination two years ago, and they've been waiting for a resolution since filing their initial grievance in April 2022. Gov. Maura Healey has since lifted the mandate.
At a press conference outside the State House, State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara called the decision a victory.
“Our members who were given by the commonwealth a religious exemption were suspended without pay and not allowed to work. No finances, no money, no health care,” said McNamara. “That is discrimination.”
The seven troopers now have two weeks to decide if they want to return to their jobs. If the troopers opt to go back, they will also receive full retroactive pay and restored seniority.
“Their decision to return will not be made lightly,” said McNamara. “These troopers have endured immense suffering and emotional distress while suspended. Now the choice to continue within the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police rests with them and them alone.”
Meanwhile, 13 other troopers who sought and were denied religious exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine mandate continue to fight their suspension. Their arbitration hearing is scheduled for the fall.
McNamara said he is confident of a similar outcome.
“The association will continue to fight for the rights of our members and we'll do everything in our power to get every last one of them an opportunity to return to work and back to serving this great commonwealth,” said McNamara.
