Dozens of Massachusetts State Police Soldiers Resign Mandatory COVID Vaccine Mandate, Union Says

Dozens of Massachusetts State Police soldiers have submitted documents to resign in response to the governor’s mandate on the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a union that represents about 1,800 officers.

“To date, dozens of soldiers have already submitted their resignation documents, some of whom plan to return to other departments offering reasonable alternatives such as wearing masks and regular testing,” said Michael Cherven, chairman of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, a statement Monday.

“The state police are already sorely understaffed and have recognized this by the unprecedented measures that have brought in soldiers from specialized units investigating homicides, terrorism, computer crimes, arson, gangs, drugs and human trafficking, and sent them back to a patrol in uniform. “

Governor Charlie Baker’s tenure applies to all employees of the Executive Department, including state soldiers and state officials. The order, which goes into effect Oct. 17, requires employees to show proof of vaccination. Those who do not get shot could be “disciplined” and fired.

In Monday’s statement, Cherven called the mandate “one of the most stringent vaccine mandates in the country with no reasonable alternatives.”

“Throughout COVID, we have been on the front lines to protect the citizens of Massachusetts and beyond. Simply put, all we’re asking for are the same basic accommodations that countless other departments have provided to their first responders, and to treat a COVID-related illness as an accident at work, ”Cherven added. .

Last week, a judge rejected the union’s request to suspend the mandate. The union had argued that the state must negotiate with workers before implementing the mandate, according to CBS Boston. A lawyer for the union said 20% of state police employees were not vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Baker stressed the importance of his tenure, saying he would help his state lead the nation on immunization. More than 74% of Massachusetts residents are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I think this is extremely important for officials who deal directly with the public on a regular basis, who have no idea whether the people they are dealing with are vaccinated or not. And those people who deal with them have to believe they are vaccinated, “Baker told reporters Monday.

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