United Airlines üçün kömək istənir: Yalnız peyvənd edilir!

Wilkes: Three of the largest unions at the airline appear to be lining-up behind the company and the mandate. The Association of Flight Attendants, the Air Line Pilots Association and the Teamsters all issued statements to their members suggesting that each of the unions support and will accept the mandate. This is rather remarkable because unions, in general, are loathe to allow new policies imposed by management without first bargaining for such a change. It is perhaps noteworthy to mention that 80-90 percent of the union members are already vaccinated. As such, an overwhelming number of the membership in each union most likely favor the mandate out of concern for their own health, and the health of their families. Significantly, at least two of the unions noted that recent court decisions lead them to believe employers would prevail over legal challenges to the vaccination mandate. 

Q: Has there been any backlash to the announcement?

Wilkes: There is always backlash, but whether there is significant resistance is another story. We do know that International Association of Machinists, which represents over one-third of United ground employees, from ramp workers to reservation agents, is not jumping in as quickly with the other unions in announcing support. The Machinists announced it encourages vaccinations, but is waiting to hear from its membership before weighing in.

Q: Do employees who are adamantly opposed to COVID-19 vaccinations have any options when it comes to employer-mandated vaccinations?

Wilkes: United and other employers are required to follow federal law, which provides two limited exceptions. If an employee can provide proof of religious or medical reasons for not getting vaccinated, they may be able to avoid being fired. Faith based and medical related exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. This is usually an interactive process between an employee and employer and does not end with a simple declaration by an employee that “it’s against my religion,” or the like. United, by example, will grant exemptions to those who can establish they qualify, but those employees will be required to wear masks at all times while on the job at the airline. Those who are just simply opposed to or do not believe in vaccinations, or who instead believe one of the any number of conspiracy theories out there against COVID-19 vaccinations will either get vaccination or lose their jobs.