I received this email from my employer yesterday evening.
I am removing the company name and replacing it with brand x .
BRAND X family,
I want to share an update to the OSHA announcement yesterday regarding mandatory vaccines. OSHA released an Emergency Temporary Standard with details for employers (more than 100 employees) to develop and enforce a Covid-19 vaccination policy. Employers will have the option to require employees to get vaccinated or require employees to be tested weekly and wear a mask. Employers have until December 4, 2021 to have a mask and social distancing policy in place and until January 4, 2022 to have employees fully vaccinated or testing requirements in place. There is sure to be more on this topic in the coming weeks.
It is expected that multiple states and associations will file suit, challenging the mandate. Lawsuits have been unsuccessful at the state level, up to this point.
It is important to note that there are some exemptions for employees, primarily those who work exclusively outdoors or remotely and have minimal contact with others indoors. As such, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is on record clarifying that solo truck drivers are exempt from the mandate. This exemption is not confirmed with OSHA; however, it is a huge victory for the trucking industry if established. It does not appear to be applicable for all facets of the trucking industry (office administrative staff, mechanics, tank cleaning personnel, etc.), and the exempt drivers do not reduce the aggregate number of employees to render the employer under the 100-count threshold.
As a company, BRAND X supports our employee’s freedom of choice. We encourage each of you to speak with your doctor about the vaccination. We are working with our legal team, and supporting both the National Tank Truck Association and the American Trucking Association to determine next steps for our industry. Please communicate with your local leadership, safety, and human resources with your questions or concerns. Lastly, I encourage each of you to call your representatives and have your voice heard if you feel passionately about this.
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
BRAND X will continue to support each of you to make us the best place to work for everyone!
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXXXX
President & CFO