After Cathay Pacific, United Airlines is now also introducing mandatory vaccination for its workforce. Previously, like its competitor Delta, this was only required for new hires. If you cannot prove complete immunization by autumn, you risk losing your job with a Star Alliance member.
Few topics have been more controversially discussed in the industry in recent months than a potential mandatory vaccination policy for airline and airport employees. While Qantas announced very early on that it intends to transport only vaccinated passengers in the future and recently also indicated a requirement for staff, potential obligations have so far only applied to new hires. Delta and Air Baltic, for example , have communicated this policy.
A few weeks ago, Cathay Pacific became the first airline worldwide to inform its staff that they must provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination by the end of August 2021. Failure to do so could result in termination of their employment. In contrast to mainland China, the vaccination rate in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region remains significantly lower. Nevertheless, the pressure Cathay Pacific is exerting on its staff is considerable.
In the United States of America, the subject of mandatory vaccination is constitutionally sensitive. Therefore, until recently, no airline dared to use this “hot iron”. United Airlines is now getting started and requires its employees to show the full vaccination against Covid-19 by autumn. About 67.000 people are affected. Even if it is very discreetly described in the memo: Refusals can face termination of their employment contract.
What makes sense from a pandemic control point of view could, however, end up in court in the United States. Therefore, further developments remain to be seen. The following aspects appear exciting: Will the compulsory vaccination last before US courts and will other major airlines follow suit? From a European perspective: Are EU carriers following suit?