After Cathay Pacific, United Airlines is now also introducing mandatory vaccination for its workforce. Previously, like its competitor Delta, this was only required for new hires. If you cannot prove complete immunization by autumn, you risk losing your job with a Star Alliance member.

Hardly any other topic has been more controversial in the industry in recent months than a possible vaccination requirement for airline and airport employees. While Qantas said very early that they only want to carry vaccinated passengers in the future and recently announced an obligation for the staff, possible obligations have so far only applied to new hires. For example Delta and Air Baltic have communicated this in such a way.

Cathay Pacific informed a few weeks ago is the first airline in the world to inform its workforce that it has to prove that it has been fully vaccinated against Covid-2021 by the end of August 19. Otherwise the employment relationship may even be terminated. In contrast to mainland China, the vaccination rate in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is still significantly lower. The pressure that Cathay Pacific puts on the staff is still high.

In the United States of America, the subject of mandatory vaccination is constitutionally sensitive. Therefore, until recently, no airline dared to use this “hot iron”. United Airlines is now getting started and requires its employees to show the full vaccination against Covid-19 by autumn. About 67.000 people are affected. Even if it is very discreetly described in the memo: Refusals can face termination of their employment contract.

What makes sense from a pandemic control point of view could, however, end up in court in the United States. Therefore, further developments remain to be seen. The following aspects appear exciting: Will the compulsory vaccination last before US courts and will other major airlines follow suit? From a European perspective: Are EU carriers following suit?