Brothers and Sisters,

I'm writing to update you regarding the recent announcement at United Airlines regarding vaccines. Earlier today, I sent a letter to United Airlines Vice President of Labor Relations Zachery Jones regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all employees. The text of that letter is as follows:

August 13, 2021

Mr. Zachery Jones
Vice President of Labor Relations
United Airlines
233 South Wacker Drive
HDQPO
Chicago, Illinois 60606 

Dear Zach:

Since United Airlines announced its new COVID-19 policy last week, the IBT Airline Division is fielding calls and emails from many concerned members, as well as union officers and representatives across the system.  Given that no other major carrier has instituted a similar mandate, we believe that the policy, as proposed, is unreasonable. 

Although we agree, and strongly encourage, our members to become vaccinated, we believe that this approach - when there is no federal mandate - is one that crosses the line of reasonableness. We request that alternatives (such as frequent testing and incentives, etc.) are offered instead of an economic capital punishment approach where one loses a career for an inability to comply.

Because no meeting took place prior to the implementation of this policy and like other unions on the property our input was not requested, we now request a meeting with your team to discuss the company’s policy. We know there are alternatives (as discussed above) that other carriers have employed and we seek similar relief to mitigate the effects of this policy. 

Because we need to act quickly, we ask that the meeting take place remotely, via zoom or teams, sometime within the next week.  

Looking forward to a prompt reply.

Regards,

David P. Bourne
Director, Teamsters Airline Division