New EEOC Covid-19 Guidance on Employer-Sponsored Vaccine Mandates and Incentives
On June 3, 2021 by Schnader in Labor and EmploymentJo Bennett and Brian M. Wallen published a client alert, “New EEOC Covid-19 Guidance on Employer-Sponsored Vaccine Mandates and Incentives.”
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has maintained a Q&A page providing guidance to employers on specific issues that arise under federal anti-discrimination laws. On May 28, 2021, the EEOC issued long-awaited guidance regarding employer-sponsored vaccine mandates and vaccine incentives. The EEOC has explicitly stated that employers may maintain mandatory vaccination programs and vaccine incentive programs without violating any applicable employment laws.
According to this guidance, employers may establish a vaccine mandate in the workplace without violating federal anti-discrimination laws. However, employers may have to exempt employees from this mandate – namely, employees unable to receive vaccinations due to medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs.
Click here to read the full Alert.
Please visit our Covid-19 Resource Center for additional guidance.