Alaska Airlines requiring vaccine for new hires, takes quarantine pay from unvaccinated
SEATTLE (KOMO) – New hires with Alaska Airlines will need to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“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.”
A spokesperson with the airline says as of Thursday, 75% of Alaska and Horizon employees who have shared their vaccination status are vaccinated. Employees who do provide proof of vaccination get a $200 payment.
Employees who are unvaccinated will be required to participate in a vaccine education program.
The company also changed its COVID-19 procedures for all employees, saying those who are unvaccinated and must quarantine will no longer be paid.
“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.”
