New York City Mayor Eric Adams has allowed former city employees who were dismissed for not complying with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate an opportunity to return to their previous positions. The announcement states that these employees may regain their former jobs at their previous pay levels. The policy applies to employees from mayoral agencies, the public school system, and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), affecting approximately 2,900 workers.
The opportunity for re-employment does not include back pay or credit for prior service, reflecting a policy decision nearly four years after the mandate was first implemented. In an official statement, Mayor Adams said, "The policies put in place before we came into office helped us weather additional waves of COVID, and once coupled with the policies our administration put in place over the first months of our term, we helped New York City rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic with a record number of jobs, record number of small businesses, near record tourism numbers, and so much more." Some individuals have expressed questions about the terms of the offer, particularly the absence of back pay for the period they were not employed.
This is not the first action of this type by the Adams administration; a 2023 offer allowed about 450 former employees to return to their positions. The new policy depends on a proposed rule change by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), which still requires a public hearing and approval from the New York State Civil Service Commission. In the city’s announcement, DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina said, "As we surpass five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to reevaluate policies to reflect current realities."
Individuals seeking to return must meet any physical or certification requirements for their previous positions. A background check will also be conducted to review their activities during the interim period. Former employees in various civil service classifications have until December 5 to indicate their interest in returning to city employment. New York City Public Schools staff and NYCHA employees have been provided with specific email addresses for questions about the reinstatement process. Information on the required steps and contact details for the re-employment opportunity has been shared by the City of New York.
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