Federal judge denies another attempt to stall Massachusetts state employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate
A federal judge has denied another request to put on hold Gov. Charlie Baker's Sunday deadline for state employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The request for an injunction was filed by the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union and four members. U.S. District Judge Timothy Hillman denied the request.
"Even considering the economic impact on the Plaintiffs if they choose not to be vaccinated, when balancing that harm against the legitimate and critical public interest in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by increasing the vaccination rate, particularly in congregate facilities, the Court finds the balance weighs in favor of the broader public interests," Hillman wrote.
This is at least the second defeat for a union that was attempting to challenge the mandate. Last month, a judge denied an attempt by the State Police Association of Massachusetts to delay the mandate.
The state worker vaccine mandate impacts about 42,000 workers and state contractors in the Executive Department.
State officials said that more than 40,000 employees have submitted the attestation form or applied for an exemption as of Friday afternoon.
"The Baker-Polito Administration is encouraged by the response by Executive Department employees completing the vaccination verification process ahead of the October 17 deadline and will continue to work with employees to address questions and requests for exemptions," state spokesperson Terry MacCormack said.
All state employees are being told to report to work as usual on Monday unless they've been given other instructions, officials said. Managers and human resources personnel will begin contacting individuals who are not in compliance with the mandate on Monday.
Employees who do not comply with the mandate face consequences including suspension and termination.
MassDOT warned its managers that failure to meet the vaccination requirement will result in a five-day unpaid suspension. Those who remain unvaccinated will be terminated.
Other MassDOT employees will face a five-day suspension without pay, followed by a 10-day unpaid suspension if they remain out of compliance. Finally, those who still fail to meet the requirement will be terminated.