KEY POINTS
But as difficult as the research, development and distribution stages have been, some experts argue the hardest part of fighting the virus is actually what comes next: convincing the U.S. population to take the vaccine.
Mandating the vaccine in the workplace
Clients in the restaurant sector thinks a compulsory inoculation requirement could be a game changer for business.
"They think it gives them a competitive advantage," explained Dunn. "They could say to their customers, 'Hey, our restaurant is safe. All of our employees have been vaccinated.'"
It may be, in part, a PR tactic, but Dunn said it is totally within an employer's rights to implement this kind of requirement.
"Under the law, an employer can force an employee to get vaccinated, and if they don't take it, fire them," said Dunn.
Anti-discrimination laws also provide some protections. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers who don't want to be vaccinated for medical reasons are eligible to request an exemption. In this case, an employer would have to provide reasonable accommodation, such as allowing the employee to work remotely.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, if taking the vaccine is a violation of a "sincerely held" religious belief, they, too, would potentially be able to opt out.
What is clear, however, is that if an employer does choose to mandate the Covid vaccine, a company is not liable should an employee develop side effects from a vaccine. Instead, experts say that any claims would be routed through worker's compensation programs and treated as an on-the-job injury.
There are a few carrots that employers could offer. "One option is that if you get the vaccine, you don't have to have your temperature taken every day, or you don't have to wear the same level of PPE," Reiss said.
There's also talk of offering financial perks to employees who opt in to taking the vaccine.
Yes, your boss can fire you if you refuse to get a Covid vaccine
- Companies are considering compulsory Covid vaccination requirements as a condition of employment.
- "Under the law, an employer can force an employee to get vaccinated, and if they don't, fire them," said Rogge Dunn, a Dallas labor and employment attorney.
- Anti-discrimination laws would enable eligible employees to request an exemption from a company-wide coronavirus vaccine mandate.
But as difficult as the research, development and distribution stages have been, some experts argue the hardest part of fighting the virus is actually what comes next: convincing the U.S. population to take the vaccine.
Mandating the vaccine in the workplace
Clients in the restaurant sector thinks a compulsory inoculation requirement could be a game changer for business.
"They think it gives them a competitive advantage," explained Dunn. "They could say to their customers, 'Hey, our restaurant is safe. All of our employees have been vaccinated.'"
It may be, in part, a PR tactic, but Dunn said it is totally within an employer's rights to implement this kind of requirement.
"Under the law, an employer can force an employee to get vaccinated, and if they don't take it, fire them," said Dunn.
Anti-discrimination laws also provide some protections. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers who don't want to be vaccinated for medical reasons are eligible to request an exemption. In this case, an employer would have to provide reasonable accommodation, such as allowing the employee to work remotely.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, if taking the vaccine is a violation of a "sincerely held" religious belief, they, too, would potentially be able to opt out.
What is clear, however, is that if an employer does choose to mandate the Covid vaccine, a company is not liable should an employee develop side effects from a vaccine. Instead, experts say that any claims would be routed through worker's compensation programs and treated as an on-the-job injury.
There are a few carrots that employers could offer. "One option is that if you get the vaccine, you don't have to have your temperature taken every day, or you don't have to wear the same level of PPE," Reiss said.
There's also talk of offering financial perks to employees who opt in to taking the vaccine.
Yes, your boss can fire you if you refuse to get a Covid vaccine
My husband was forced to take the Flu Vaccine this year....
I am prepared to take him down if he becomes a zombie.
class action lawsuits gonna bankrupt these companies...
