More state employees are returning to the workplace this week, despite objections from their union that a continuing spike in COVID-19 transmission makes it risky. “They’re concerned about public health and their family’s health and the uncertainty that still exists out there,” said VSEA executive director Steve Howard. The new policy took effect on Monday, Nov. 1, but state employee parking lots in Montpelier were still half empty. Some departments are bringing staff back over the course of the week, officials said.At the state treasurer’s office, staffers seemed to welcome the return. “Sure it feels good,” investment analyst Eric Henry said Monday. “It feels like some semblance of normal again.”Gov. Phil Scott said the administration has granted waivers to hundreds of people to continue working remotely but is confident that with vaccination rates at roughly 90% state workplaces are safe.”We’re making accommodations for as many people as possible, understanding there’s some concern,” Scott told NBC5. “We had to pick a date. We’ll stick with it and see this through.”Howard estimated about 2,000 unionized workers were affected by Monday’s policy change. Other employee groups like those at the DMV have been back for weeks. The third category of 24/7 employees — such as at the Department of Corrections — worked throughout the pandemic.
More state employees are returning to the workplace this week, despite objections from their union that a continuing spike in COVID-19 transmission makes it risky.
“They’re concerned about public health and their family’s health and the uncertainty that still exists out there,” said VSEA executive director Steve Howard.
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The new policy took effect on Monday, Nov. 1, but state employee parking lots in Montpelier were still half empty.
Some departments are bringing staff back over the course of the week, officials said.
At the state treasurer’s office, staffers seemed to welcome the return.
“Sure it feels good,” investment analyst Eric Henry said Monday. “It feels like some semblance of normal again.”
Gov. Phil Scott said the administration has granted waivers to hundreds of people to continue working remotely but is confident that with vaccination rates at roughly 90% state workplaces are safe.
“We’re making accommodations for as many people as possible, understanding there’s some concern,” Scott told NBC5. “We had to pick a date. We’ll stick with it and see this through.”
Howard estimated about 2,000 unionized workers were affected by Monday’s policy change. Other employee groups like those at the DMV have been back for weeks. The third category of 24/7 employees — such as at the Department of Corrections — worked throughout the pandemic.
