COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for Seattle and King County workers outside of healthcare settings. For those who lost their jobs for refusing to get the vaccine, it's unclear whether they’ll get their jobs back.
This guidance from public officials released Monday is based on wide availability of antiviral treatments and updated boosters, and because there are higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having COVID-19 infections. Workers have had to show proof of their initial vaccination series since mid-2021.
After 18 years with Eastside Fire and Rescue, now-former Lt. Rocky Martinez said his refusal to get the COVID vaccine cost him his career. He uprooted his family to Texas in 2022 and joined a new department, losing his seniority.
“I don't wish this upon anybody. This last year has been very significant on our health and mental well-being,” Martinez explained. “I'm not anti-vaccine at all. I think it's everyone's choice.”
A spokesperson with the Washington Policy Center (WPC) is hoping Seattle and King County's newly-lifted vaccine mandate will bring back workers like Martinez amid a staffing crisis that includes first responders.
“I’ve heard from people who would love their work back. I’ve heard from people who don’t want anything to do with their government employer now that they feel they turned their back on them,” WPC Centers for Healthcare and Worker Rights Director Elizabeth Hovde said.
King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine.
A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have only minimal effects on hiring the 26 fire department positions lost, plus five from Seattle police.
Martinez explained that even with strong ties to the area, he's unsure he'd move back or that he'd get an offer after leaving.
“At the time I was the sole income provider for my family and losing all the benefits, pay that I worked so hard to get for my family was detrimental and that's why we have to seek residency elsewhere,” he said.
Both the city and county said they won't be reaching out to those who lost their jobs, but former workers are eligible to apply to job postings.
The Seattle Fire Department has 34 openings and the Seattle Police Department has 184.
At the county level, former workers could apply for their previous position if it’s vacant or another position, "but there is not a priority process," spokesperson Chase Gallagher said by email. The county hired nearly 4,000 employees while the mandate was in effect.
The vaccine mandate has not changed at the state level. Gov. Jay Inslee's office said on Tuesday the state has no plans to modify or remove the condition of employment related to vaccinations.
"As an employer we strive to maintain a safe and healthy workforce, and negotiated with state employees on the plan to incentivize boosters," stated a representative with the governor's office.
As for the ongoing impact on state agencies, the state ferry system says about 130 employees chose to separate from state service due to the vaccine requirement in Fall 2021. The agency has since hired more jobs than were lost but remain understaffed in positions that require extensive experience and time to become licensed, including deck officers.