Quarantine Pay Ends For Unvaccinated That Get The Virus

Alaska and Horizon Airlines require full vaccination by the date of hire for new employees. They will also stop quarantine pay to unvaccinated employees that contract COVID-19.

“Our goal is to have as many employees vaccinated as possible,” Alaska Airline said in a statement. “We have not yet made a decision on a vaccine requirement for current employees but did implement two new policies to help us reach this goal. All new hires at Alaska and Horizon must now be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire.”

Alaska employs around 23,000 people. “In addition, current unvaccinated employees who become exposed to or infected with COVID-19, will no longer be paid for their quarantine time," the airline said. “We appreciate every employee who has put in the effort to get vaccinated, and we continue to encourage our employees to get the vaccine.”

In early August, Alaska was “considering” vaccine mandates for staff but waiting for FDA approval to move forward. In a company memo Alaska told employees that they were within their rights to ask information about their vaccine status, and that similar to other company policies, there would be exceptions for medical or religious reasons.

Delta has required vaccination for new hires since May, and requires weekly testing of unvaccinated employees plus a monthly health insurance surcharge, while United says that all employees must get the vaccine. American has offered incentives and encouraged vaccination, offering financial rewards and extra time off for vaccinated employees, but has not mandated any type of vaccine program at this time.

FMI: www.alaskaair.com