Vermont state workers return to the office after judge denies preliminary injunction

"State employees will return to required in-person work this week, after a superior court judge declined to halt Gov. Phil Scott's return-to-office order. The Vermont State Employees' Association, the union representing state workers, had asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction while it pursues an unfair labor practice complaint with the state labor relations board. Superior Court Judge Dan Richardson, in a ruling on Saturday, wrote that the court didn't have the authority to intervene. The dispute over the new return-to-office order is being reviewed by the Vermont Labor Relations Board, Richardson said."

"Scott issued a mandate this fall that required all state employees to return to in-person work at least three days a week, beginning on Dec. 1. The governor has said he thinks the change will help foster collaboration and employee engagement. Workers can apply for an exemption, and so far 425 people have requested one. The Scott administration has granted 25 of those requests and is reviewing the rest, according to Richardson's order. The administration said people will not be required to follow the return-to-office mandate if their exemption request is pending."

A superior court judge declined to halt the governor's return-to-office order and ruled the court lacked authority to intervene because the Vermont Labor Relations Board has jurisdiction. The Vermont State Employees' Association sought a preliminary injunction while pursuing an unfair labor practice complaint alleging the administration failed to bargain about the policy. The mandate requires state employees to work in-person at least three days per week beginning Dec. 1. Workers may request exemptions; 425 requests were filed, 25 granted, and pending requests allow workers not to be required to comply while under review. The administration says the change aims to boost collaboration and engagement.

Read at Vermont Public