State employees enter the state office complex in Waterbury as the Vermont State Employees Association opposes Gov. Phil Scott’s return to work mandate on Oct. 23, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
The union representing Vermont state employees is turning to two legal venues to challenge Gov. Phil Scott’s order that many of its members return to the office in person.
On Nov. 10, the Vermont State Employees’ Association filed a charge with the state’s Labor Relations Board alleging the Scott administration skirted a union demand to enter formal bargaining over the return-to-work plan, in violation of labor protection laws. The plan will require many employees to come into the office at least three days a week.
The union also filed a separate grievance with the Labor Relations Board arguing that parts of the plan violated the collective bargaining agreement it has in place with the state.
Then, on Nov. 12, the union filed a lawsuit in Washington County Superior civil court asking a judge to bar the Scott administration from implementing its workplace plan — set to take effect Dec. 1 — until the labor board adjudicates the union’s complaints.
The union wrote in its lawsuit that “neither the unfair labor practice charge nor the grievance is capable of being decided” by the labor board before Dec. 1. The suit seeks a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction that allows state employees to continue working remotely.
Steve Howard, the union’s executive director, said in an interview Wednesday that he hoped the suit would at least slow the implementation of the governor’s directive. He said he thought a hearing could be held on the lawsuit as soon as next week.
The legal challenges mark a significant escalation in the monthslong fight between the union and the administration over the plan to have state workers, with some exceptions, return to the office. The union contends that the hybrid work mandate will cause experienced employees to quit, decreasing the quality of state departments’ work.
At the same time, administration officials say that the order will improve government services by boosting collaboration and helping to preserve institutional knowledge. They’ve argued Vermonters want government workers to be present in-person.
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In a statement Thursday, Amanda Wheeler, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said the union’s legal challenges had no impact on Scott’s support for the plan.
“The Administration’s decision to implement this standard is well within our authority,” Wheeler wrote. “The Governor’s position on returning to a hybrid work standard has not changed, he continues to believe human connection is an important part of employee engagement, as well as team building and learning from each other.”
According to court filings, after the administration formally announced its return-to-work plans in late August, it wrote to the union in September requesting a meeting to discuss the plans and hear the union’s concerns. In that letter, which is attached to the lawsuit, John Berard, the state’s director of labor relations, said the plan did not need to be the subject of formal bargaining. That’s because the planned hybrid work requirement was permissible under an existing teleworking policy for state employees, he said.
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byShaun Robinson
But the union doesn’t see it that way. In court filings, the union contends state leaders agreed to remote working arrangements for their employees, starting at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, that did not fall under the stipulations of the teleworking policy. Those arrangements “have become an established condition of employment which the State is not free to change” without entering formal bargaining, the union wrote in an Oct. 24 letter to the state. It demanded, in that letter, that bargaining take place.
Berard then wrote the union back Nov. 10 saying the state’s position had remained unchanged, according to court filings. That’s the same day the union filed its challenges with the state Labor Relations Board.
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The legal challenges are set to play out as the state has expanded its workspace ahead of the planned return to office for many employees. On Monday, it signed leases for three new office spaces in the privately owned Pilgrim Park complex in Waterbury, which records show would be used by workers at the state Agency of Human Services.
That agency has been facing a shortage of office space at the nearby Waterbury State Office Complex, where much of its operations are based. The shortage could delay the restart of in-person work for some employees past Dec. 1, officials said previously.
The state is set to pay about $2.3 million to lease the new office space over the next five years, according to the leases.
Vermont Joins Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota and Others in Facing Successive Decline in US Tourism Last Month: Everything You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
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Vermont Joins Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota and Others in Facing Successive Decline in US Tourism Last Month: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
November 26, 2025
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others saw a decline in US tourism last month due to lingering pandemic effects and changing travel trends. This successive downturn in tourism across multiple states highlights a broader shift in the nation’s travel landscape. While Vermont’s scenic autumn landscapes and winter sports once attracted droves of visitors, it too faced a significant drop in tourism. Similarly, Virginia’s rich historical offerings, Washington’s urban and outdoor attractions, and New Mexico’s unique cultural experiences all saw fewer travelers. States like South Carolina and Minnesota, known for their coastal resorts and outdoor adventures, are also feeling the impact. As traveler preferences evolve and the effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate, the U.S. tourism industry faces significant challenges, with states across the country working hard to adapt and recover.
Vermont’s Tourism in Trouble: A 25.10% Decline
Vermont, a state renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage and outdoor adventures, has suffered a staggering 25.10% decline in tourism. Visitors, who typically flock to Vermont for its charming autumn landscapes and winter sports, have been deterred by the lasting effects of the pandemic and changing travel habits. The state’s tourism industry, heavily reliant on seasonal visitors, has taken a major hit. Local businesses, from quaint inns to ski resorts, are facing significant challenges as Vermont works to find ways to attract tourists back.
Virginia’s Slight Dip: A 1.39% Decline in Visitor Arrivals
Virginia, home to a rich historical heritage and scenic landscapes, has experienced a relatively modest decline in tourism, down by 1.39%. Despite its cultural treasures, like Monticello and Williamsburg, and natural beauty such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state has seen fewer travelers in recent years. The pandemic and the evolving travel landscape have influenced this slight dip, though Virginia’s tourism sector remains resilient. Efforts to promote outdoor experiences and historical sites are aimed at restoring the state’s appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Washington: A Major Drop of 18.55% in Tourism
Washington state, a hub for both urban excitement and natural wonders, has seen a dramatic 18.55% decline in tourism. Known for its iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mount Rainier, as well as its outdoor offerings, Washington’s tourism sector has been impacted by travel restrictions and shifts in traveler preferences. International and corporate travel has dropped, and many potential visitors are seeking alternative destinations. Washington is working hard to revive its tourism industry by focusing on its vast outdoor activities and urban attractions to draw back eager travelers.
New Mexico: A Small But Steady Decline of 1.27%
New Mexico, famous for its unique blend of Native American culture, art, and stunning landscapes, has experienced a 1.27% drop in tourism. The state’s appeal lies in its desert vistas, historic pueblos, and vibrant arts scene, but changing travel trends and lingering effects of the pandemic have led to fewer visitors. While the decline is small, it signals the need for New Mexico to continue to adapt and highlight its cultural experiences and outdoor adventures in order to attract more travelers to its one-of-a-kind destinations.
South Carolina’s Struggles: A Sharp 27.90% Drop
South Carolina has faced a devastating 27.90% decline in tourism, with its renowned coastal attractions, including Myrtle Beach and Charleston, feeling the brunt of the downturn. The state’s tourism sector, which thrives on beach resorts, golf courses, and rich history, has been hit hard by reduced demand. The COVID-19 pandemic and changing traveler preferences for closer, more accessible destinations have further deepened the impact. South Carolina is working to bounce back by focusing on its charm as a vacation spot for relaxation, history, and culture.
Minnesota’s Setback: A 7.33% Decline in Visitor Numbers
Minnesota, known for its picturesque lakes and outdoor adventures, has experienced a 7.33% decline in tourism. The state’s natural beauty, including the Boundary Waters and its many parks, typically draws nature enthusiasts, but the pandemic and evolving travel trends have slowed this influx. With fewer travelers seeking distant adventures, Minnesota’s tourism industry has faced setbacks. Nevertheless, the state continues to push its outdoor offerings and festivals, hoping to revive interest and bring visitors back to enjoy its scenic landscapes and unique attractions.
Conclusion
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others have all experienced a decline in U.S. tourism last month, marking a troubling trend that reflects broader shifts in the travel industry. The lingering effects of the pandemic continue to disrupt tourism, with many travelers altering their habits and seeking more accessible, closer destinations. These states, known for their unique attractions—from Vermont’s fall foliage and Virginia’s historical landmarks to South Carolina’s beaches and New Mexico’s cultural heritage—are feeling the impact of changing travel preferences.
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others saw a decline in US tourism last month due to lingering pandemic effects and changing travel trends.
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As the industry navigates these challenges, states are focusing on adapting to new trends in order to revitalize their tourism sectors and attract visitors once again.
Protestors again demonstrated outside Hannaford locations in Vermont over working conditions for migrant dairy farmworkers, the News & Citizen reports. It was the second time in over a year that rallies were held for the cause.
Advocates are urging Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of Ahold Delhaize USA and owner of the Hannaford brand, to join the immigrant rights group Migrant Justice’s Milk with Dignity program. The program asks participating companies to pay more for dairy products so that working conditions on dairy farms can improve.
Distributor Vermont Way Foods announced a partnership in October that allows Migrant Justice to monitor working conditions in its dairy supply network.
Ahold Delhaize USA has not responded to a request for comment.
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Migrant Justice accuses Hannaford of human rights violations in its dairy supply chain. According to a survey by the organization, most farmworkers in Vermont earn less than minimum wage and report suffering injuries due to working conditions.
Ahold Delhaize recently conducted a human rights investigation involving farms that produce Hannaford-brand milk, and the results are pending.
During the protests, Hannaford increased its security presence, which included the Morristown Police Department and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, to ensure that people parking in Hannaford lots were there to buy groceries.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Brett Decker Jr. had 23 points in Liberty’s 79-73 victory against Vermont on Monday.
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Decker shot 7 for 11 (5 for 7 from 3-point range) and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line for the Flames (5-0). Zach Cleveland added 14 points while going 6 of 7 and 2 of 6 from the free-throw line while he also had six rebounds and seven assists. Kaden Metheny shot 5 for 14 (1 for 7 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.
TJ Long led the way for the Catamounts (4-2) with 19 points. Gus Yalden added 17 points for Vermont. TJ Hurley finished with 15 points.
Metheny led Liberty with 12 points in the second half.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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