United CEO: Mandates Key to Boosting Vaccination Rates
United Airlines' CEO Scott Kirby revealed that around 90% of the company's employees have submitted their vaccine certificates after the airline company made it mandatory. Kirby, speaking to CNN, mentioned that while most employees are vaccinated, many have yet to upload their verification results. He added that only a few employees have resigned without getting vaccinated.
"There are very few of such cases," Kirby said during an interview on CNN's 'New Day' show. "As far as I know, these figures will remain low."
Despite concerns about losing unvaccinated employees in a tight labor market, federal mandates for businesses with over 100 employees to either require vaccinations or weekly tests have surfaced. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden announced such a regulation.
Kirby emphasized the importance of vaccinating as many people as possible to end the pandemic and revive the economy and air travel. However, he expressed opposition to making vaccines mandatory for domestic flights or other modes of transport.
"I don't think air travel vaccination mandates will significantly increase vaccination rates," Kirby said. "I believe the directive will have a truly significant impact on employers."
Kirby acknowledged that government policies requiring employers to vaccinate their workforce or subject them to weekly tests could be the most effective way to achieve this, rather than causing tensions at airports, subways, and across lines.
Airline companies pushed for regulations requiring passengers to wear masks, enhance cabin air filtration, and replace cabin air frequently during the pandemic to ensure safe flights.
United Airlines and other U.S. airlines experienced a strong summer as vacationers flew out. Delta's strong performance and delays in reopening many offices slowed down the return of corporate travel revenue, which the airlines had hoped for in autumn. COVID-19 vaccination requirements for domestic flights might discourage some passengers from flying.
Since announcing guidelines on August 6, 2021, around 20,000 United Airlines employees have submitted their vaccine certificates, according to a memo sent to employees on Thursday. Employees who upload their vaccination certificates by September 20 will receive an additional paid day off.
United Airlines employees have until September 27 to comply, or they will have to take leave. Other airlines have not strictly followed their own vaccination requirements. Delta Air Lines, however, announced that staff not vaccinated would have to pay more for health insurance and would not be entitled to full paid sick leave if they contract COVID-19.
Goldman Sachs estimated that the Biden administration's policy, which also mandates vaccines for healthcare workers, federal workers, contractors, and some preschool workers, could lead to additional vaccinations of 12 million adults—roughly half of the 25 million unvaccinated workers affected by the regulation.
United Airlines will not allow employees who refuse vaccination to opt out through weekly COVID-19 tests. However, employees can apply for medical or religious exemptions. The company grants unpaid leave to those it accepts religious exemption requests. Employees granted medical exemptions will receive paid sick leave, subject to labor union agreements.
In another development, the European Parliament has condemned anti-Semitic monuments in Moldova.
Note:
The data presented here discusses the effectiveness of employer-mandated vaccinations, particularly in the context of the airline industry and the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. federal mandates. The analysis highlights United Airlines' response to the pandemic and the varying impact of similar initiatives on vaccination rates.
The adoption of such policies varies, with United Airlines being one of the first major U.S. airlines to announce a vaccine mandate for employees in January 2021. The high vaccination rate within the company mirrors the potential effectiveness of such mandates in raising vaccination rates.
On a broader scale, the U.S. federal government issued mandates in September 2021 that affected various sectors, including federal workers, contractors, and healthcare workers. Initial data suggests these measures have contributed to higher vaccination rates, especially in workplaces with strict requirements. However, overall impact on the general population is less clear and has been subject to varying analyses and debates.
