Recission of State worker COVID-19 shot mandate

Hello state worker friends,

We’re aware that Gov. Inslee rescinded the COVID-19 shot mandate today through Directive 22-13.2 (available here: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/directive/22-13.2%20-%20Rescind%20COVID%20Vaxx%20Requirement%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery). We know you’re going to have questions, we’ll address several we anticipate:

1. If you’re already involved in litigation, please contact your attorney as that individual is your designated representative;

2. We do not presently have the bandwidth to take on new clients, so, we’re providing some talking points, below with some thoughts on how to approach former HR representative and/or supervisor;

3. Contact your HR representative and remind them of your status;

   1. Remind them that you were terminated (or placed on indefinite administrative leave without pay) for non-compliance with Proclamation 22-13;

   2. Ask how quickly they’re planning on returning people to work who were terminated under these conditions; and

   3. Ask as to what the process is to come back and whether the agency has paperwork prepared for a return to work.

   4. It’s probably not worth addressing back pay in this instance as the HR team will treat that as a separate issue.

4. If you’re not a state employee, please note that this Directive does not directly apply to you.  While your prior employer likely rode the Governor’s coattails, your former employer would have adopted its own policy/procedure/mandate.  You will need to communicate this news with your former HR representative/supervisor.

We’re following this development closely, so if we receive further information, we will publish in a like manner.  We apologize ahead of time that we will not be able to respond to all inquiries, which is why we sent this out.

Thank you,

Team SMF