Beginning October 2, United Airlines will put its unvaccinated staff on unpaid leave. The major American airline announced this on Thursday. In August, she announced that she would require her employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Employees could request an exception for compulsory vaccination on a medical or religious basis, but now they will also have to take unpaid leave. Those who have not been vaccinated for medical reasons will be put on temporary sick leave. It is not clear how long that leave will last.
Employees who contact passengers, such as pilots, flight attendants and customer service representatives, were told they could return to work “once the pandemic has significantly receded”. However, staff who have no contact with passengers must take a corona test weekly and always wear a mouth mask, even outside, the airline said.
Employees who requested a vaccine waiver but did not receive it will be fired if they do not get vaccinated by September 27. They must be fully vaccinated five weeks from the date of their rejection letter. According to the airline, this measure has been taken for the safety of employees and customers.