US Delta Air Lines: "Pay $200 if You Are Not Vaccinated"

by Kwon Jaehee

Published 26 Aug.2021 10:08(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Delta Air Lines, one of the four major U.S. airlines, has decided to impose a monthly penalty of $200 (approximately 234,000 KRW) on employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. This is the strongest measure taken amid a growing number of companies mandating vaccinations for their employees following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) full approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 25th (local time), Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, stated in a letter to employees that "to offset the financial risks the company faces due to individuals choosing not to get vaccinated, unvaccinated employees will be required to pay an additional $200 per month in health insurance premiums starting in November," adding that "hospitalization costs due to COVID-19 infections can amount to $50,000 (approximately 58.2 million KRW) per employee."

Additionally, unvaccinated Delta Air Lines employees must wear masks indoors at all times and undergo weekly COVID-19 testing starting from October 12. The indoor mask mandate is effective immediately.

Incentives are also being offered to vaccinated employees. Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, added, "Starting September 30, only employees who are fully vaccinated will be eligible for COVID-19 paid leave protection for up to 14 days of isolation if infected with a variant strain."

Over the past several months, Delta Air Lines has provided incentives such as bonuses and additional leave to encourage employees to voluntarily get vaccinated. As a result, about 75% of Delta Air Lines employees have been vaccinated.

Delta Air Lines explained that "due to the recent surge in cases of the Delta variant and others in the U.S., the company aims to increase the vaccination rate further."