Suit against Inslee’s vax rule is filed in Walla Walla

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A number of Washington state employees have filed a lawsuit in Walla Walla County Superior Court that challenges Gov. Jay Inslee’s requirement that state workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 by Oct. 18. The court action challenges both Inslee’s authority and the constitutionality of the mandate.

At least 85 people are named in the suit. The attorney for the plaintiffs said more could be added.

The proclamation by Inslee states that most contractors and volunteers that are in state workplaces also must be vaccinated. Those who work remotely must also be vaccinated, and it states that refusal could lead to the employees’ dismissal.

The suit was filed by a Seattle attorney and its lead plaintiffs are a King County firefighter and his wife, who is a healthcare worker. While not all of the counties of residence for the plaintiffs are listed in the suit, at least 11 Walla Walla County residents, all working for the Department of Corrections, are a part of the court action.