A significant discrepancy has emerged between the St. Vincent government and the Public Service Union (PSU) regarding the reinstatement of public sector workers dismissed for non-compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. While Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced that nearly all of the 100 workers who resumed duties by the January 31 deadline have been placed, PSU President Elroy Boucher contends that 44 healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health remain in professional limbo, unable to return to their posts.
The contentious issue stems from the November 2021 termination of hundreds of public workers under the previous Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration. The current New Democratic Party (NDP) government, elected on November 27, implemented a reinstatement policy with a January 31 deadline, resulting in 100 workers returning for reinstatement.
Attorney General Mitchell stated that 92 of these 100 workers have already been placed in positions equivalent to those they held before dismissal, with official letters of resumption issued. However, Boucher’s investigation reveals a different reality within the healthcare sector, where 44 professionals—including three doctors, 11 staff nurses, multiple midwives, and various technical staff—face bureaucratic obstacles preventing their return.
The union leader expressed particular frustration with the Ministry of Health’s handling of the reinstatements, noting that other sectors including education and police services experienced smooth transitions. Boucher described encountering “deliberate roadblocks” including outdated forms from the previous administration and concerns about legal implications raised by the Chief Medical Officer regarding positions not formally released by the Ministry of Finance.
A special committee chaired by Mitchell and including union representatives has been established to address implementation issues. Despite consensus reached during the committee’s January 9 meeting and subsequent Cabinet approval of recommendations, healthcare workers continue to face reinstatement challenges. Boucher characterized the situation as “beyond ridiculous” and suggested deliberate efforts to frustrate the new administration’s policy implementation within the health ministry.