Disney is the latest big-name company to announce mandatory vaccines amongst its workforce
The Walt Disney Company will make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for its employees, including those that work at its theme parks.
The company also confirmed that all the newly hired employees will be required to be fully vaccinated before beginning their employment.
In a statement, Disney says:
At the Walt Disney Company, the safety and well-being of our employees during the pandemic has been and continues to be a top priority. Toward that end, and based on the latest recommendations of scientists, health officials and our own medical professionals that the COVID-19 vaccine provides the best protection against severe infection, we are requiring that all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. working at any of our sites be fully vaccinated.
(MARCH 4, 2013): Reigning National League Rookie of the Year Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals poses March 4, 2013 with Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Harper also was named to the 2012 NL All-Star Team. The Washington Nationals are hosting their MLB Spring Training in nearby Viera, Fla. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
Walt Disney Co says employees who aren’t already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days from today to complete their protocols and any employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return.
“We have also begun conversations around this topic with the unions representing our employees under collective bargaining agreements. In addition, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before beginning employment. Vaccines are the best tool we all have to help control this global pandemic and protect our employees.”
Further to the companies vaccine mandate, visitors to its American theme parks will have to once again wear masks at all indoor attractions.
It comes as the highly infectious Delta COVID-19 variant drives a resurgence in cases across the US.