Update to our United Airlines members regarding United’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate
Technicians Update
November 9, 2021
“This is an update to our United Airlines members regarding United’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Yesterday, a federal court in Dallas ruled on an important motion in the case of Sambrano v. United Airlines. Plaintiff Sambrano and several other United employees had sued United Airlines, claiming that United discriminated against employees with religious or medical objections to COVID-19 vaccinations by accommodating them with unpaid leave. The plaintiffs asked the court for an emergency preliminary injunction, which would prohibit the company from placing employees on unpaid leave while the court heard arguments about the case, a process that could take many months. The Court temporarily granted plaintiffs an injunction in October, barring United Airlines from putting employees who had requested a religious accommodation on unpaid leave, or forcing medical objectors onto sick leave. However, in its decision yesterday, the Court found that the plaintiffs did not meet the standard to show that continuing emergency relief was necessary while the case was pending. Accordingly, United is no longer barred from placing employees who have requested accommodations from the vaccine mandate on sick or unpaid leave. While it’s not a final decision about the merits of the case, it does signal that the Court accepts some of United’s legal position.
The decision does not address United's newer policy which allowed unvaccinated Technicians to continue working while taking frequent COVID tests and other safety measures. The IBT does not know immediately whether United plans to maintain that policy. We will seek clarity on this issue ASAP. In addition, the IBT will continue to pursue its EEOC charge against United’s unpaid leave policy, grieve any violations of just cause, and advocate for as accommodating a vaccination policy as possible.
We will continue to keep you updated as this situation develops.”
Vinny Graziano
National Coordinator
IBT Airline Division