United Airlines Mandates COVID-19 Vaccines for Employees
United Airlines announced its decision to require all U.S. employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving passengers unaffected. The airline's intent to avoid passenger-based regulations is dependent on government decisions.
United Airlines set an October 31st deadline for U.S. employees to provide proof of vaccination. Early implementation may occur if the FDA grants "full federal state approval" to a vaccine earlier than anticipated. Employees failing to comply with the demand risk termination, except for those able to demonstrate religious or medical reasons.
United stated that it would consider exemption requests from employees with valid medical or religious grounds, and vaccinated, exempt personnel must always wear masks.
The airline reported holding talks with unions, but no agreement has been achieved yet. Three of United Airlines' primary unions - Association of Flight Attendants, Airline Pilots Association, and Teamsters, representing 6,600 mechanics - have publicly backed the mandate.
United Airlines' Flight Attendants Union claims that 80% of its members have been vaccinated, while the Pilots Union reports over 90% of its members are vaccinated. In an internal communication, the union indicated that most recent virus spread incidents involved unvaccinated flight staff, despite some breakthrough infections.
The Pilots Union's statement was less enthusiastic, suggesting further negotiations are needed to protect their safety, well-being, and negotiating rights. It also hinted that legal challenges may lead courts to challenge employer authority to enforce the mandate.
Teamsters, representing industrially positioned workers, contended that employers generally have the right to mandate vaccinations. They pledged to defend members' genuine medical or religious exemption rights, and arrangements would be made for staff reluctant to be vaccinated without receiving exceptions.
The International Association of Machinists, representing 28,000 ground employees, such as ramp workers, passenger service personnel, and reservation agents, has gathered opinions from members. Despite supporting vaccinations, they remain skeptical about the mandate's applicability.
United Airlines set an October 31st deadline for employees to provide proof of vaccination and warned of the possibility of early implementation if the FDA grants "full federal approval" to a vaccine earlier. Failure to comply may result in termination.
The Opposition's Response
"We understand that some of you may disagree"
United Airlines' October deadline stems from a sense of urgency to protect employees, family members, and customers. Statistics revealed that vaccinated individuals are less likely to be hospitalized or die due to COVID-19, even as case numbers among vaccinated populations rise.
United Airlines communicated in an email to employees that they have sent condolences to the families of over a dozen colleagues who have died due to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. They were determined to prevent further tragedies.
United Airlines offered incentives to most employees who provide proof of vaccination by September 15th, with additional compensation for United Pilots and Flight Attendants, who have already reached agreements through union negotiations.
The Wider Impact
More Companies Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines
Following United Airlines, other companies, including Google, Facebook, and Disney, have announced vaccine mandates. Yet, Walmart only requires proof of vaccination for its direct employees, excluding suppliers and franchisees.
Despite mandates, union negotiations have slowed down the implementation process for other organizations, such as Tyson Foods and Disney.
Corporate security measures for executives have long been a topic of discussion, more so in the healthcare industry. However, their specific relation to COVID-19 vaccine mandates within companies remains undetermined.
Impacts of the pandemic on various industries directly affect companies considering mandates, but specific responses from major U.S. companies to United Airlines' COVID-19 vaccine mandate are not detailed.
