Judge blocks United Airlines from putting unvaccinated workers on unpaid leave
A federal judge blocked United Airlines from placing unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave if they are seeking a medical or religious exemption.
The judge said it was necessary to give time to assess the merits and rule on the case.
The injunction expires October 26,
United says about 2,000 employees asked for exemptions from the vaccination.
"Vaccine requirements work and nearly all of United’s U.S. employees have chosen to get a shot. For a number of our employees who were approved for an accommodation, we’re working to put options in place that reduce the risk to their health and safety, including new testing regimens, temporary job reassignments and masking protocols," United said.
In August United became the first major carrier to give notice that it compelled its workforce to get vaccinated or they could be fired.
CEO Scott Kirby says 99.7% of staff have been vaccinated.
"I wish we would have gotten to 100% but out of our 67,000 US employees there are 232 who haven’t been vaccinated and they are going through the termination process now."
The airline said it is working with unions and workers who applied for exceptions on appropriate workplace safety measures for their jobs including regular testing, face masks and temporary job reassignments where necessary.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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