Brothers and Sisters,
We were officially notified yesterday (October 12, 2021) that Boeing would be moving forward with a vaccine mandate in line with Executive Order 14042 and President’s Biden’s COVID-19 action plan. The Company announced they will require all U.S. based Boeing employees to either show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have an approved reasonable accommodation (based on a medical or religious belief) in place by Dec. 8, 2021.
This morning we demanded to bargain the effects of this decision. The Executive Order includes the ability to request religious and medical exemptions for those unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine. We will ensure that these processes are well communicated in order that any member can follow the process to request an exemption. In addition, we will work to enforce ‘just cause’ provisions within our bargaining agreement. For those denied their requested exemptions who are unable or unwilling to accept the vaccine, we will investigate each on a case-by-case basis.
We have been in contact with union leadership at IAM 751 in Seattle to discuss the effects on all of our members. With the mutual interest we share in this mandate, we will be working closely with them to limit the impact on our membership. This is a decision that Boeing has made, and we have a right to bargain any impacts of this mandate. We will share more information as it becomes available.
Missouri Governor Mike Parsons has condemned the Biden Administrations vaccine mandate and vows legal fight against unconstitutional federal overreach. If you would like to reach out to his office to voice your displeasure his number is 573-751-3222.