Just a week after Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced that all federal public servants are required to be fully vaccinated – as well as employees of federally-regulated businesses like air and rail companies - Air Canada has become the first airline to instate a mandatory vaccine policy for its employees.
Ottawa had said the government will work with public service unions and employers to get the mandate in place “by the end of October,” if not sooner.
Today’s announcement by Air Canada reveals that it will have all employees report their full vaccination status by 30OCT.
In addition, the airline is making full vaccination a condition of employment for any individual hired by the company.
While valid medical conditions will be accommodated, the carrier says, “testing will not be offered as an alternative” to full vaccination.
Any Air Canada employee who fails to become fully vaccinated by the end of OCT “will have consequences up to and including unpaid leave or termination.”
WestJet and the National Airlines Council of Canada both also voiced their support of the federal government’s mandatory vaccination policy for federally-regulated industries, including air transportation, when the Trudeau government's policy was announced.
In today’s announcement by Air Canada, the airline reiterated an industry-wide stance that fully vaccinated employees and the mandate would “further protect employees and customers” as well as facilitate the recovery of the air and travel industries.
For more information on Air Canada's programs and policies to safeguard customers and employees from COVID-19, please visit Air Canada's Travel Ready Hub at www.aircanada.com.
