Vt. state employees' union reinstates chief
Vermont state employees' union reverses chief's firing, puts him on leave
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- The union representing Vermont state workers on Monday reversed a vote its board took last week to fire its executive director, placing him instead on paid leave while an investigation is done.
The Vermont State Employees Association board voted last Wednesday to dismiss executive director Mark Mitchell. But union President John Reese and others objected, and the board had another emergency session on Monday.
The union said in a statement that at that session, the board voted to reverse the firing, and instead launch an investigation that is expected to be wrapped up within a month.
"After lengthy debate and review of the facts before them, the Board voted this afternoon to reverse its initial decision and reinstate Mitchell," the union said in a statement.
"Today's action by the VSEA Board of Trustees demonstrates this body's commitment to take the steps necessary to uphold VSEA's values and to ensure the continued trust and confidence of our rank-and-file membership as we move forward together," the statement said.
