Last Friday, August 6, the Airline Division was notified by United Airlines (UA) only a few minutes before its announcement to the public that it would be requiring all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Although we were caught off guard by the timing of the announcement, there had been hints for many months in the press that UA and other employers were considering this step. We had researched this matter accordingly. After conferring with labor and employment attorneys, and Teamsters Safety and Health Department, we believe that the company has the ability to mandate vaccinations upon notice and with some restrictions. 

Most of our members have greeted the UA announcement favorably, although some are concerned, so we want to make our position clear. While the IBT supports and encourages everyone to get the COVID-19 based upon our core ethic of union members protecting each other, as well as the advice of medical professionals – including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Nursing (AAN), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Nurses Association (ANA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and Texas Nurses Association (TNA), among many others) – we also understand that some may be hesitant or unable to receive the vaccine for medical, religious or other reasons. 

Accordingly, the IBT will ask to meet with UA to explore whether there may be alternatives to mandatory vaccination that still provide for adequate workplace safety, as well as to discuss how the company will address those who can’t or won’t take the vaccine. We expect discussions to take place on an expedited basis, and we will keep all of our members posted. 

In Solidarity,

Vinny Graziano
Maintenance and Related Coordinator, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters