(WWJ) There could be consequences for some white collar autoworkers who refuse to get their vaccines.
WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says General Motors is increasing pressure on its 42,000 salaried workers in the U.S. when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Last month, GM asked salaried workers to confidentially report their vaccination status using an online form. At that time, company spokeswoman Maria Rayna said the reporting would help GM assess the overall immunity of the employee population, and determine when GM should relax or strengthen COVID-19 safety protocols.
Workers were asked to submit proof of vaccination by Aug. 23.
Now, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, GM management has told workers that those who refuse to respond to the survey could potentially lose part of their performance bonus.
GM is not saying, however, how it plans to respond to President Joe Biden's order that workers with 100 or more employees get vaccinated or face frequent testing.
GM, Ford and Stallantis have all strongly encouraged their eligible employees to get vaccinated, but thus far none of the companies have said they will require the vaccine.
What the automakers will do about manufacturing worker vaccinations will have to negotiated with the United Autoworkers Union, which has been reviewing details of Biden's edict. In August, UAW President Ray Curry said the union remained opposed to mandatory shots.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that employers generally can mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, while exploring "reasonable accommodations" for those who will not comply.
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