Employees at Google have been threatened with pay loss – and even termination of employment – if they fail to comply with the company’s Covid-19 vaccination policy,
Leaders circulated a memo on December 3 asking employees to upload proof of vaccination or apply for a medical exemption or religious exemption. Those who had not uploaded their vaccination status or were unvaccinated, or whose exemption requests were not approved, will be contacted after the date.
Those who don’t meet vaccination requirements by the January 18 deadline will be put on “paid administrative leave” for 30 days, according to the document. Afterwards, their employment will be terminated and they will be put on “unpaid personal leave” for up to six months.
Google is requiring its employees at some point in the new year to eventually come into physical offices three days a week, while much of the tech industry continues to delay return-to-work plans.
According to Google’s memo, almost all roles at the company will be covered by the executive order. In the statement from Google, the company said, “Anyone entering a Google building must have a current vaccination certificate or an approved accommodation allowing them to work or come on-site.” In addition, “frequent testing does not replace vaccination.”
Google provides recommendations for people who don’t want to get vaccinated in the latest guidance. A Google spokesperson said employees could “explore” roles that do not conflict with the executive order. Those with religious beliefs or medical conditions can also request exemptions, which Google previously said would be granted on a case-by-case basis.
– Parrot