Why Holdout Delta Air Lines Is Still Not Mandating Vaccines for Workers
Photo Credit: Delta has yet to mandate its employees be vaccinated but could if the federal government requires it. Delta Air Lines / ©Rank Studios
Skift Take
Delta Air Lines is getting public relations blowback by not mandating its employees be vaccinated. Delta points to its voluntary vaccination program as a success, but the Atlanta-based carrier said it will fall into line when the federal government requires contractors to vaccinate crews.
As more major U.S. airlines jumped on the bandwagon this week to require vaccines for its workers or be terminated, Delta Air Lines stood out as the last major holdout. But the clock could be ticking for Delta to comply with federal regulations.
The Atlanta-based carrier says it is not inclined to force its employees to get their shots, given the trajectory of its voluntary vaccination program. As of Monday, 84 percent of its employees have been vaccinated, and Delta is on track to have 90 percent of its employees vaccinated by Nov. 1, the company said. After that date, Delta will levy a $200 per month surcharge on unvaccinated employees’ health insurance and require those employees to be tested weekly and to wear masks at work.
Still, by not joining its peers with a mandatory requirement, Delta could face backlash on the public relations front. Delta, however, doesn't see it that way.
"I'm really pleased with the success we are having at Delta on the vaccine," CEO Ed Bastia
