Full Breakdown
Vermont Labor Board Overturns Return-to-Office Requirement for State Employees
4/2/2026, 11:37:06 PM
Labor Board Decision and Implications
The Vermont Labor Relations Board has ordered Governor Phil Scott’s administration to rescind a mandate requiring state employees to return to their offices at least three days a week. This decision, issued on Wednesday, comes after the board determined that the administration had “refused to bargain in good faith” regarding the working conditions of state employees. The mandate, which affected approximately 3,000 employees, was initially implemented to reduce the remote work arrangements that expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background of the Mandate
In August 2025, the Scott administration announced that beginning December 1, 2025, state employees would need to return to their designated offices. This policy was met with significant opposition from the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA), which argued that the issue should have been subject to collective bargaining. The union brought their concerns to the Labor Relations Board in November, leading to the recent ruling.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Scott expressed disappointment with the board's decision, labeling it as biased and indicative of the board's labor-leaning composition. He stated, “It’s disappointing, but not surprising, understanding the makeup of the board.” Scott's administration has filed an appeal with the Vermont Supreme Court, asserting that the ruling could lead to financial burdens on taxpayers due to potential reimbursements for commuting and childcare costs.
In contrast, VSEA Executive Director Steve Howard hailed the ruling as a “stunning victory” for state employees, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining rights. He remarked, “The governor had a weak argument... when he decided to just change state policy and upend collective bargaining.”
Criticism of the Administration
Critics of the Scott administration's mandate argue that the return-to-office requirement disregarded the preferences and rights of employees. Howard noted that many employees had left their positions due to the mandate, highlighting the need for the administration to address the consequences of its policies. He stated, “The governor needs to clean up the mess that he created,” reflecting the sentiment of those affected by the mandate.
What's Next
The Labor Relations Board's order not only rescinds the return-to-office requirement but also mandates that the state rehire former employees who left due to the policy and compensate them for any monetary losses incurred. The administration is currently seeking a stay on the board's order while the appeal is processed. The outcome of this appeal will determine the future of state employee work arrangements and the administration's approach to labor relations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The governor is not a king,” — Steve Howard, Executive Director, Vermont State Employees’ Association
- “It could be like restitution for commuting, maybe for child care, all kinds of things associated with a return to office, that taxpayers will pay,” — Governor Phil Scott
- “It’s a message to the governor about what are the limits to his power and it’s also a message to our members that shows that when we’re unified, when we fight, we win.” — Steve Howard, Executive Director, Vermont State Employees’ Association
