Seven Massachusetts state troopers fired over vaccine refusal for religious reasons were reinstated due to an arbitrator ruling on rights violation.
Fired for Their Religious Beliefs
An impartial arbitrator ruled on Friday in favor of seven Massachusetts state troopers terminated in 2022 for declining to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, mandated by the then-governor.
Reportedly, the troopers’ decision not to be vaccinated by the October 2021 deadline set by former Governor Charlie Baker was grounded in their religious convictions.
The State Police Association of Massachusetts argued that the administration’s actions were unlawful, as they failed to accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs.
Out of the troopers, seven were dismissed for their refusal to be vaccinated after Governor Baker, a Republican, announced that all state troopers must either receive the vaccine or face termination.
“It Was an Attack on Organized Labor”
SPAM officials raised objections, asserting that the governor and the Department of the State Police did not provide troopers with “reasonable accommodations for their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
SPAM President Patrick McNamara stated, “Executive Order 595 was not just an insult to the dedicated members of the Mass State Police; it was an attack on organized labor and our members’ rights.”
A press release from the State Police Association noted that the independent arbitrator found the state police had violated the troopers’ rights to anti-discrimination and affirmative action.
As a result of the arbitrator’s decision, the seven state troopers will be reinstated to their positions with full seniority privileges and all associated benefits, as outlined in the union’s press release.
“They Will Be Returning to Work”
McNamara conveyed, “Today, I had the privilege of informing seven of our Troopers, who were suspended without pay due to Executive Order 595, that they will be returning to work.”
McNamara further added, “This battle commenced in October 2021 when the Association submitted a grievance on their behalf. Since then, the Association has been resolute in seeking redress for these members.”
She continued, “Throughout the extensive and demanding grievance and arbitration process, the Association has steadfastly fought to rectify the injustices perpetrated by the Baker Administration.”
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The post Faith Over Force – The Massachusetts Troopers Axed for COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal Triumph in Rights Battle as ‘Attack on Labor’ Backfires!” It Was a Violation of Rights first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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Source: Fox News