St. Paul Police Federation files lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccine mandate

The union representing St. Paul police officers is suing the city of St. Paul over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The St. Paul Police Federation filed the civil complaint in Ramsey County court Tuesday challenging the decision made in October by Mayor Melvin Carter. The city’s requirement states all city employees, including St. Paul Police officers, must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of the year. The updated policy does not allow for regular testing, something that other cities and the State of Minnesota offer as an alternative to vaccination.

In its 70-page filing, the union claims the city failed to negotiate in good faith regarding the conditions of employment for city workers. Those negotiations are regarding the expiring collective bargaining agreement that ends Dec. 31.

The union also filed a motion seeking an emergency injunction on the city’s vaccine mandate.

A city of St. Paul spokesman says the city has received the lawsuit, but unless the court steps in, the policy requiring proof of vaccination by Dec. 31 will remain.

Mayor Carter added, "COVID is currently the leading cause of death among police officers in the United States. We will do everything in our power to protect our employees and the public we serve from this deadly pandemic."

The case has been assigned to Ramsey County District Court Judge Robert Awsumb.