Photo Courtesy of Chris Helgren/Reuters
According to The Hill, United Airlines reported on September 28 that they would be terminating nearly 600 of their employees who refuse to take the vaccine against COVID-19.
The airline stated that 99 percent of their staff members provided proof of vaccination before the deadline on September 27.
United is now firing employees who haven’t shown the exemption to take the vaccine or provided proof of vaccination.
They also are reportedly giving their staff another opportunity to comply with the mandate during the separation process.
In a recent memo sent out to employees, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and President Brett Hart wrote, “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but keeping our team safe has always been our first priority.”
Related Story: United Airlines Announced Pilot Diversity Initiative and White People Lost Their Minds
United also mentioned that the company had seen a significant rise in applicants after announcing the vaccine requirement from people seeking employment who wish to work in a safe environment.
“Our rationale for requiring the vaccine for all United’s U.S.-based employees was simple — to keep our people safe — and the truth is this: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated, and vaccine requirements work,” the United executives wrote to employees on Tuesday.
Less than three percent of the United employees out of the company’s 67,000 are part of those who sought out religious or medical exemptions.
After being notified of the mandate, last week, six United employees decided to file a lawsuit against the airline because of the company’s policy to place exempt employees on unpaid leave.
United has become one of the top four U.S. airlines to terminate employees due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
As previously reported, Delta Air Lines is placing a $200 monthly fine on unvaccinated employees, while American Airlines and Southwest Airlines encourage employees to get the vaccine.