Vaccine Mandate

machovsky v department of corrections

Machovsky v. Department of Corrections is a single-plaintiff COVID termination case involving Ms. Machovsky, who worked as an investigator for the Department of Corrections (DOC). She was terminated for non-compliance with the vaccine mandate imposed on DOC employees, sparking significant legal and ethical concerns. The case highlights key issues related to the fairness and enforcement of vaccine mandates in a professional setting.

SMF joined this litigation for several important reasons:

• There was a vaccine mandate for DOC employees, yet no such mandate was applied to the inmates, raising questions about the consistency and equity of the policy.

• Ms. Machovsky worked remotely (with limited exceptions of going into the office to pick up office supplies) during her time at the DOC, in the early days of the pandemic, which further calls into question the necessity of applying such stringent policies to her role.

• SMF was asked to assist in this matter by Ms. Machovsky and her attorneys due to significant challenges in the discovery process, where they've had issues with records production from opposing counsel.

Our extensive experience with COVID-related litigation in Washington, paired with a history of working with opposing counsel, allows us to effectively advocate for Ms. Machovsky’s rights. This case is not only about her termination but is also about ensuring fair treatment and accountability for all Washington residents who were impacted by similar mandates.

We remain committed to standing up for individuals who were unfairly terminated as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.