United Airlines Tightens COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

Strategic Insights -

United Airlines employees who receive religious or medical exemptions from the company's coronavirus vaccine requirement will be required to take temporary leaves of absence starting next month, as the airline tightens its COVID-19 vaccine policy. The new policy aims to strike a balance between keeping employees and customers safe, while accommodating the religious beliefs and medical needs of those who have sought exemptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • United Airlines employees who receive religious or medical exemptions will be put on temporary leaves of absence, starting Oct. 2.
  • Those on leave will be unable to return to work until the pandemic recedes or updated safety protocols are put in place.
  • Employees who don't meet vaccination conditions by Sept. 27 will be terminated.
  • United is the first major U.S. airline to require all U.S.-based employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
  • More than half of United's unvaccinated employees have become vaccinated since the company announced its mandate in August.
  • United's 67,000 U.S.-based workforce has not been vaccinated, and the company is not disclosing the percentage of employees who have received the vaccine.
  • Airlines like Frontier and Hawaiian have also implemented similar vaccination policies.
  • Other airlines, including American and Southwest airlines, are offering incentives like gift cards and extra vacation days to encourage employees to get vaccinated.
  • Exemptions are being determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account an employee's role at United and the metrics of the pandemic.
  • Airline executives have repeatedly urged employees and the public to get vaccinated, citing the financial risks associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • More than 50 medical groups support vaccine requirements, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Public Health Association.
  • United said that more than half the employees who were unvaccinated on the day the company announced the mandate are now vaccinated.
  • Delta Air Lines announced that employees who aren't vaccinated will be required to pay a $200 monthly insurance surcharge and will be required to undergo weekly testing.
  • Alaska Airlines is offering a $200 bonus to employees who show proof of vaccination by Oct. 15.
  • Already roughly 75 percent of employees at Alaska and its regional carrier, Horizon Air, have been vaccinated.
  • Delta Air Lines has reported that the average hospital stay for COVID-19 costs the airline $50,000 per person.

Sources:

Lori Aratani, "United requires COVID-19 vaccination for employees," The Washington Post, September 22, 2022.

United Airlines, "United Announces Vaccine Requirement," United Airlines News, August 2022.

Delta Air Lines, "Delta Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement," Delta Air Lines News, May 2022.

Alaska Airlines, "Alaska Airlines Encourages Employees to Get Vaccinated," Alaska Airlines News, September 2022.