VSEA STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR SCOTT’S RESPONSE TO THE DECISION OF THE VERMONT LABOR RELATIONS BOARD ON“RETURN TO COMMUTE”

The members of the VSEA applaud the Vermont Labor Relations Board’s (VLRB) decision on the Unfair Labor Practice Charge filed by the VSEA in response to Governor Scott’s arbitrary decision to require state employees who have successfully worked remotely for years to return to commute. 

After 3 days of hearings, and testimony from numerous witnesses, the VLRB issued a fair and thoughtful decision, siding with the arguments of state employees across Vermont. The panel, comprised entirely of Scott appointees, included a neutral representative, a representative of labor and a human resources professional aligned with management and they found against the Governor unanimously. 

Governor Scott is not listening to the frontline workers who are telling him that remote work encourages more collaboration and better outcomes for the State. Governor Scott’s attack on this quasi-Judicial and independent body is reminiscent of the attacks on institutions coming from politicians in Washington D.C. 

Governor Scott, appointed the members of the VLRB to do exactly what they did, stand up for the rule of law. We find the Governor’s rhetoric to be dangerous and unaligned with the values of the people of the State of Vermont.