Dozens Of State Police Officers Resigning Over Vaccine Mandate

BOSTON — The State Police Association of Massachusetts said dozens of troopers have submitted their resignation papers Monday as a result of the state's recent coronavirus vaccination mandate.

Superior Court Judge Jackie Cowin on Thursday denied a request to delay Gov. Charlie Baker's state employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The union, representing 1,800 members of the State Police, wanted to delay the mandate until the details could be worked out or bargained.

Per Gov. Baker's new mandate, the state is requiring all executive department employees to show proof of vaccination by Oct. 17, or risk losing their jobs.

"Dozens of troopers have already submitted their resignation paperwork, some of whom plan to return to other departments offering reasonable alternatives such as mask wearing and regular testing," the union wrote as a result of Cowin's decision.

Anyone who isn't vaccinated and doesn't have an exemption for medical or religious reasons approved by Oct. 17 will face disciplinary action, which may include being fired, the Baker Administration said.

Judge Cowin ruled the union failed to show how the implementation of the mandate on Oct. 17 would either cause irreparable harm to its members or that a delay would serve the public interest.

"We are disappointed in the judge's ruling; however, we respect her decision. It is unfortunate that the Governor and his team have chosen to mandate one of the most stringent vaccine mandates in the country with no reasonable alternatives," union president Michael Cherven said in a statement.

The union says it is looking to have COVID-19 infections listed as a line-of-duty injury.

On Aug. 19, Baker signed the executive order requiring all state employees under his authority to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on or before October 17, 2021. Various public employee unions sought to begin the bargaining process shortly after.

On Aug. 30, SPAM had its first meeting with John Langan, the administration's chief negotiator to seek "reasonable accommodations" for its members instead of an enforced vaccine. These "reasonable accommodations" would include weekly testing and wearing a mask while on the job.

Baker responded by saying testing would prove to be counterproductive in the goals of the vaccine policy.

It was not immediately clear how many troopers have left their jobs, or if any more will be joining before Oct. 17.

Patch reached out to the State Police Association of Massachusetts for a comment on the matter but has not heard back.