Approximately 1,900 Washington state employees were either terminated or quit due to Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate. The mandate required all state employees to be vaccinated by October 18. Three percent of the employees were terminated. Three percent were offered exemptions or allowed to work remotely. Currently, 4.6 percent of state employees are still in a state of uncertainty.
In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Republicans spoke out against Governor Inslee’s abuse of power throughout the pandemic.
“But I don’t think any of us realized it would come to this, and I think many in the state Legislature are having second thoughts today. Other states are requiring vaccinations, but none of them have taken it to the level of mass terminations. When one person makes all the decisions, there can be no question who is at fault.”- Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview.
The Office of Financial Management stated that 92 percent of their employees were in compliance and that 89 percent of their employees were fully vaccinated by the deadline.
Former Washington State Patrol Troopers had placed hats and boots on the steps of the State Capitol in honor of the 74 state troopers who were terminated over the vaccine mandate.
Former Washington State Patrol troopers placed 74 hats and boots on the steps of the Capitol today for the 74 troopers that were fired over the @GovInslee vaccine mandate. pic.twitter.com/8ceHmNo9fF
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) October 20, 2021
Another video captures dozens of firefighters and police officers turning in their boots at City Hall.
NOW – Seattle Fire and Police, discharged for noncompliance with the vaccine mandate, turn in their boots at the city hall.pic.twitter.com/O8ogfdaYTd
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 19, 2021
Some of the Washington State employees have decided to take legal action against the unconstitutional order. Former Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich who was fired over refusing to get the jab, is suing Washington state. Rolovich had requested a religious exemption and was denied.
Across the United States, many employees are faced with getting the vaccine or losing their job.
This piece was written by Zach Heilman on October 22, 2021. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.
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