A health worker wears personal protective equipment (PPE) during a United Airlines Covid-19 test pilot program at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, USA on Monday, November 16, 2020.
Angus Mordant | Bloomberg | Getty Images
The United Airlines CEO wants to make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for employees and is encouraging other companies to do the same.
It’s a view that differs from what some other carriers and companies have said recently. United had more than 60,000 active U.S. employees at the end of 2020 and has sent recalls to some 17,000 other employees whose jobs were cut last year.
“The worst thing I think I’ll ever do in my career is the letters I’ve written to the surviving relatives of colleagues we’ve lost to the coronavirus,” CEO Scott Kirby said Thursday at an employee town hall. of which was reviewed by CNBC. “And so, for me, because I have faith in the safety of the vaccine – and I recognize it is controversial – I think the right thing to do for United Airlines and for other companies is to demand the vaccines and require them to propose. “
Kirby recognized logistical challenges in getting staff vaccinated.
Aviation workers are considered essential workers and are among the first groups to receive the vaccines. But the rollout so far has been slow and chaotic with the nation behind the goals.
“I don’t think United can get away with it and realistically can be the only company that needs and mandates vaccines,” he said. “We need a few more. We need a few more to show leadership. Especially in healthcare.”
In the staff note, it said it is working with government officials and healthcare providers to set up vaccine distribution centers in some of its major hubs.
Southwest Airlines said last week that it “currently” does not require employees to receive Covid-19 vaccines, but said it strongly encouraged staff to do so.
American Airlines takes a similar approach, telling employees last week that “We do not intend to require our team members to receive the vaccine unless vaccinations are eventually mandated for entry to certain destinations.”
United told workers in a staff note this week that they should get vaccinated as soon as possible and not wait for guidance from the airline.
Some companies are trying to persuade employees to get the vaccine by offering extra pay. Yogurt and food company Chobani said it will give employees in its factories and offices up to six hours of paid time to receive the two vaccinations.
So far, some retailers, such as Aldi, Lidl and Dollar General, have announced similar plans to offer additional payment. Aldi said it would also like to open on-site vaccination clinics in its warehouses and offices to make it easy for employees to take the photos and eliminate the obstacles to getting childcare or finding transportation.