BOSTON — An independent arbitrator rules in favor of Massachusetts State Police Troopers, who were previously fired for seeking vaccine exemption during COVID-19, to be reinstated with full back pay.
The arbitrator has found that the Department of the State Police did violate the Trooper’s rights to “anti-discrimination and affirmative action when they were denied reasonable accommodations for their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
On Friday an arbitrator ruled in favor of the eight Troopers to have the option to be reinstated after an extended legal battle with the Commonwealth and Department of the State Police.
Since 2021, state police and former Governor Charlie Baker’s administration failed to provide “consideration and accommodations” to those troopers who held religious beliefs which prevented them from getting the COVID vaccine, said the State Police Union.
As part of the reinstatement handed down, State Police must contact all troopers impacted to offer them their previous positions with full back pay and also award them their full seniority rights and all benefits minus any interim earnings and/or unemployment compensation.
“We are reviewing today’s ruling to determine the administrative and legal steps required for its implementation,” said MSP spokesman Dave Procopio.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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