REUTERS / Kamil Krzaczynski
- United Airlines will require all new US-based staff to be vaccinated, an internal memo said.
- United will not require current staff to get vaccinated, but has offered incentives.
- Delta Air Lines said last month it would mandate COVID-19 vaccines for new hires.
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United Airlines has said it will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all new external hires, the company said in an internal memo shared with Insider.
All new employees receiving job offers after June 15 will be asked to show proof that they are fully vaccinated, United said in the memo.
"As we welcome new employees to the company, it's important we instill in them United's strong commitment to safety," the memo said. "They will be required to upload their COVID vaccine card in My Info no later than 7 days post hire date."
The airline said the new rule applies only to US-based hires, with an exemption for internationally-based staff. "Reasonable accommodation" will be given to hires who are not vaccinated on medical or religious grounds, per the memo.
The airline will not require current employees to get jabbed, but will strongly encourage it by offering incentives. Last week, United said it would give vaccinated flight attendants up to three additional days of vacation, according to a letter shared by the Association of Flight Attendants.
United has also offered its MileagePlus passengers the chance to win a year of free flights if they can show they're vaccinated.
In January, United CEO Scott Kirby said he wanted to make vaccines mandatory, and encouraged other companies to to the same.
United follow Delta Air Lines which last month last month announced that it would require all new employees to be vaccinated, and may bar current staff from working on international flights if they refuse to get the jab.