Employees Need Covid Vaccines Under Federal Rules

Alaska Airlines told its 22,000 employees that the carrier’s job as a government contractor meant they had to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as early as December 8 due to new federal rules.

The Seattle-based airline did not require staff to be vaccinated, but encouraged employees to be vaccinated. He offered additional compensation to those who share proof of vaccination with the company.

“Because our company does important work for the federal government, we have determined that the employees of Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and McGee – all part of the Alaska Air Group – fall under this federal mandate on vaccines, as well as other major US airlines, “Alaska said. Thursday in a staff memo.” This means all of our employees, including some contractors and suppliers, will need to be fully vaccinated or approved for a reasonable accommodation such as medical conditions or religious beliefs that prevent them from being vaccinated. “

CNBC saw a copy of the note. An airline spokeswoman told CNBC that a “significant majority” of airline employees were vaccinated, but declined to give a percentage, noting that staff still upload their proof of vaccination.

Alaska has extended its $ 200 incentive for staff to upload proof of full vaccination from Oct. 15 to Dec. 1.