New York City to Reinstate Those Laid Off for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccination

Hundreds of New York City municipal workers fired for refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccination requirements will soon be able to return to their previous positions, Mayor Eric Adams announced. The publication reported more details. NY1.

According to him, approximately 2,900 laid-off employees will be given the opportunity to resume their previous positions with full pay. However, the mayor's office clarified that some will not be able to return to their previous positions, as they may have already been filled by others.

The proposal applies to employees of all departments reporting to the mayor, as well as employees of city schools and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).

Those who return will not be paid compensation for the time they were absent from work, and this period will not be counted towards their work experience.

Adams noted that the measures put in place by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration "helped us weather new waves of COVID," but added that "the city is in a different situation today, and policies need to be tailored to the times."

“That’s why we’re updating our policies to reflect current health and economic conditions, and we’re happy to welcome many of our former employees back to their previous positions,” the mayor explained.

Earlier, under the Adams administration, about 450 laid-off city workers had already been reinstated.

On the subject: Unemployment benefits in New York City have increased significantly for the first time in six years.

This eligibility now extends to all former employees who qualify, following approval of the rule change by the City Department of Administrative Services and the approval of the New York State Civil Service Commission.

For employees outside the competitive category and school staff, no rule changes are required.

Former employees whose positions require a medical examination, physical fitness test, or qualification verification must meet these requirements before returning to work.

The mayor's office explained that if the unit is fully staffed, agencies may have to reorganize to accommodate returning employees. Funding has been allocated for this.

Former employees wishing to be reinstated must contact their department's human resources department by December 5.

Those who previously worked in the city school system can write to the email address [email protected], and former employees NYCHA — on [email protected].

This initiative comes amid a persistent shortage of personnel in municipal structures: according to the city comptroller's office, as of October 31, there are approximately 14,000 vacant positions in government bodies.