by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Thu August 26, 2021
Air Canada announced that all airline employees would be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination by October 30.
The updated health and safety protocols include a new rule making full vaccination a condition of employment for any individual hired by the carrier. The new rules also state that testing will not be offered as an alternative to vaccination.
Officials from Air Canada said that while the company plans to accommodate employees who can't get vaccinated due to valid medical conditions, those who do not comply with the inoculation requirements will face consequences such as unpaid leave or termination.
The new rules apply to all employees of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Vacations.
The decision to require coronavirus vaccines is in line with the Canadian government's recent announcement that employees in the federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors must be vaccinated by the end of October.
Air Canada has been at the forefront of science-based safety measures being implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19, including being among the first airlines to require pre-boarding temperature screening, mandatory mask-wearing policies and the use of testing.
Earlier this month, Air Canada announced it would begin non-stop service between Vancouver and Santa Ana in Orange County, California, starting on October 2. Flights will initially be four times per week, with plans to increase to daily service in 2022.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
