New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new policy offering a second opportunity for approximately 2,900 former city employees, who were terminated for failing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, to return to city service.
The policy will allow eligible former workers to be reinstated to their former civil service titles and salaries. Crucially, the offer specifies that returning employees will not receive retroactive compensation for the time they did not serve and will not receive credit for that period.
Mayor Adams framed the decision as a reflection of the city’s recovery from the pandemic. “We recognize that we are in a different place today than we were nearly four years ago, and our policies should match the realities of the times,” Mayor Adams said. “That’s why we are updating our policies to reflect our new health and economic reality, as we look forward to welcoming back many of our former employees to their former positions.”
The Mayor also highlighted the city’s economic rebound under his leadership, noting “all-time high record levels of jobs,” a record number of small businesses, and near-record tourism numbers in the city last year.
The reinstatement opportunity applies to terminated employees across all mayoral agencies, New York City Public Schools, and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Louis A. Molina emphasized the review of existing policies. “As we surpass five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to reevaluate policies to reflect current realities,” said Commissioner Molina. “We are committed to working with agencies to offer employment opportunities for employees terminated for failing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.”
This marks the second reinstatement effort by the Adams administration. A similar offer in 2023 resulted in approximately 450 terminated former employees returning to their jobs.
The new policy is subject to a proposed rule change by DCAS, which will require a public hearing and approval by the New York state Civil Service Commission. Former employees who were non-competitive or New York City Public Schools school-based staff are eligible to return without changes to existing rules. Reinstatement may also be contingent on a limited background review and completion of any required physical exams, fitness tests, training, or certification for their former position.
All former permanent competitive and labor class, non-competitive, or exempt employees interested in returning must contact the head of human resources at their former agency by December 5, 2025.
Specific contact information was provided for:
- New York City Public Schools: NYCPSServicereturn2025@schools.nyc.gov
- NYCHA: HR.Laborel@nycha.nyc.gov
Image Credit: Christina Morillo
