American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue are joining United Airlines in requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as the Biden administration steps up pressure on major US carriers to mandate the shots.
The airlines provide special flights, cargo hauling and other services for the government. The companies say that makes them government contractors who are covered by President Joe Biden's order directing contractors to require employees to be vaccinated.
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told his more than 100,000 employees late Friday that the airline is still working on details, but 'it is clear that team members who choose to remain unvaccinated will not be able to work at American Airlines.'
The pilot union at American recently estimated that 4,200 - or 30 per cent - of the airline's pilots are not vaccinated.
Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways, who each employee more than 22,000 people, told their employees that they must be vaccinated as early as December 8, per the Biden administration's deadline, CNBC reports.
American Airlines announced all of its more than 100,000 employees would be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue following suit
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, left, and JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes have issued vaccine mandates for all their employees. JetBlue set their deadline for December 8
Alaska Airlines also extended its $200 incentive for employees who get vaccinated from October 15 to December 1
JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes and Chief Operating Officer Joanna Geraghty told employees on Friday that the vaccine mandate was a company-wide policy affecting those working at the airports, support centers and at home.
The executives also urged employees to get the jab before the holiday travel rush.
'Our customers count on us to get them where they're going during the holidays, and we need to be ready to fully comply with the
