![]() ![]() passenger airline jobs, approximately 85% of the pre-pandemic workforce," Cantwell said. "The relief saved 386,200 direct, full-time U.S. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), who led the hearing, said that the aid was critical, and the program to implement it was largely successful. "I made the decision for United that getting everyone vaccinated would save lives and would create a safer environment for all the other workers."ĭuring the hearing, lawmakers, airline executives and others vociferously defended the Payroll Support Program, unanimously arguing that the aid was crucial to carrying airlines through the worst of the pandemic. "We did this for safety, we believe it saves lives," Kirby said in response to the questions on Wednesday. More: United doubles down on vaccine requirement with stringent policy for religious exemptions United's mandate, and subsequent requirements from other carriers - typically with looser exemption policies - led to pushback from some pilots' labor unions and political pundits who accused airlines and the government of violating personal liberties. ![]() The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. airlines - ensure that all employees are fully vaccinated. United's mandate was separate from a requirement issued by the Biden Administration that all federal contractors - including most major U.S. That included about 2,000 employees, some of whom were able to find non-customer facing roles to do in the meantime. It was not immediately clear on Wednesday how many of those employees subsequently met the requirements, nor how many were fired.Įmployees who were approved for exemptions were placed on unpaid leave. 28, 593 employees had failed to either get vaccinated and submit documentation, or apply for an exemption, leaving them subject to termination. The day following the deadline, United said that less than 3% applied for those exemptions, while more than 99% of the remaining employees met the deadline.Īs of Sept. 27, or to apply for a religious or medical-based exemption. employees to be fully vaccinated by Sept. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accusing United of mistreating employees by enforcing the mandate.Īre you an airline employee or industry insider? Message this reporter with tips, feedback, or opinions at required all of its 67,000 U.S. The figures were cited in response to questions from Sen. Kirby's comments came during an appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee, during a hearing on the federal Payroll Support Program that was implemented at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free new biweekly Aviation newsletter! The airline has about 13,000 pilots on staff. United Airlines fired only six of its pilots for failing to get vaccinated and submit documentation to the airline, CEO Scott Kirby revealed on Wednesday.Ībout 80 of the airline's pilots were approved for exemptions to the airline's vaccine mandate, either religious or medical, and were placed on unpaid leave, Kirby added. ![]()
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