WestJet announces mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all employees

Sep 9, 2021 | 8:55 AM

CALGARY, AB – WestJet employees will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of October.

The Calgary-based airline said on Wednesday that all of its employees will be required to be fully immunized by October 30. Additionally, full vaccination status will be a requirement for all future employees hired by the company.

WestJet’s Executive Vice-President of People, Mark Porter said, “protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees remains our number one priority and vaccinations are our best line of defense.”

“Aviation has been one of the hardest hit industries and we believe requiring all WestJet Group employees to be vaccinated is the right thing to do and ensures the safest travel and work environment for everyone in WestJet’s world.”

The WestJet Group said it will evaluate and accommodate employees who are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to either a medical or other exemptions. Employees who fail to attest their vaccination status by September 24 or achieve full vaccination status by October 30 will face unpaid leave or termination of employment.

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As part of the new policy, the airline will not provide testing as an alternative to vaccination.

Porter added that, “the WestJet Group remains committed to building back even stronger to ensure a competitive aviation industry in Canada.”

“Requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is essential to the safe restart of travel across Canada.”

by Justin Goulet