Delta Air Lines has made a bold move by announcing an increase in health insurance premiums for employees who remain unvaccinated. The company cited the significant expenses incurred from covering employees hospitalized due to a preventable virus as the main reason for this decision.
Despite previous measures such as mandatory weekly testing and mask-wearing, many employees have still chosen not to get vaccinated. Delta has now decided to hit them where it truly matters—their wallets. According to reports, CEO Ed Bastian informed staff that starting November 1, 2021, unvaccinated employees will face an additional $200 monthly charge on their health insurance premiums.
Bastian explained that the costs associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations were unsustainable. He noted that every Delta employee who has been hospitalized due to the virus has been unvaccinated. “The average hospital stay for COVID-19 has cost Delta $50,000 per person,” he stated in a memo. “This surcharge is essential to mitigate the financial risk posed by the decision not to vaccinate.” Additionally, unvaccinated employees will now be required to wear masks indoors and will need to undergo weekly COVID-19 tests starting September 12, 2021.
Furthermore, Delta will discontinue COVID pay protection for unvaccinated employees who contract the virus. Those employees will have to use their sick days if they require time off, while vaccinated employees who experience a breakthrough infection will still receive COVID pay protection.
Looking ahead, Delta has decided to hire only vaccinated candidates. Although they are not mandating vaccinations for existing employees, the new policies will make it difficult for unvaccinated staff to continue working at the airline. Bastian mentioned that 75% of the workforce is already vaccinated, and the company aims to increase that percentage as much as possible.
While some may argue that these measures infringe on personal freedoms, it’s essential to recognize that individuals have the option to seek employment elsewhere.
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Summary
Delta Air Lines is raising health insurance premiums by $200 monthly for unvaccinated employees starting November 1, 2021, due to high costs associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations. Unvaccinated staff will also face additional restrictions, including mandatory mask-wearing and weekly testing. The company has decided to hire only vaccinated individuals while not mandating vaccinations for current employees, creating a challenging environment for those who choose not to vaccinate.
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