St. Vincent authorizes return of public workers dismissed under COVID-19 vaccine mandate

The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has officially approved the reinstatement of public sector workers who lost their jobs under COVID-19 vaccine mandates introduced in 2021, marking a major policy shift more than four years after the dismissals.

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In a notice issued this week, authorities said affected workers—many of whom were previously classified as having abandoned their posts—are now invited to report to their respective department heads or the Chief Personnel Officer. Eligible employees are required to return to work in person by January 30, 2026.

The government also confirmed it is finalizing arrangements to place returning staff into suitable roles across the public service, depending on current operational needs.

The move follows months of discussion between the cabinet and the Public Service Union and represents the most concrete step yet toward reintegrating workers displaced by the vaccine policy.

Background to the dispute

In November 2021, hundreds of public sector employees were terminated after failing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed by the then administration of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The dismissals sparked widespread controversy and legal action from three major labor rights organizations representing the affected workers.

In March 2023, the High Court ruled that the government’s actions were unlawful and determined that the workers had never legally ceased to hold their jobs. The government appealed that ruling, and in February 2025 the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision in a split 2–1 judgment, upholding the government’s actions.

Despite the appeal ruling, Prime Minister Godwin Friday has said his administration is committed to resolving the issue. In December, he confirmed that returning workers would be reinstated with full benefits intact and that discussions were underway regarding back pay, which could extend up to February 2023.

Labor rights groups have since indicated they are preparing to take the matter to the UK-based Privy Council, signaling that the legal fight may not yet be over.

Still, the government’s decision to authorize reinstatements is being viewed as a significant attempt to close a divisive chapter in the country’s pandemic-era governance and restore stability within the public service.