With the U.S. federal government recently announcing an executive order mandating COVID-19 vaccines for employees of federal contractors like Verizon, last week the carrier issued a revised COVID-19 policy. The order applies to those who work in connection with federal contracts and extends to other employees who work in the same locations. It also includes those who are working from home in functions connected to federal government work.
Craig Silliman, Verizon’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative, Legal and Public Policy Officer said in light of the current requirements and the additional requirements that are forthcoming from the Department of Labor, non-union Verizon employees in the U.S. must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated regardless of where they work or how often they come into a Verizon work location.
The only employees excluded from these requirements are those designated as “home-based” within the Verizon Consumer Group and employees outside of the U.S. “Any changes to our protocols internationally will be communicated on a country-by-country basis. At the moment, this does not apply to our union-represented employees as we are in discussion with the unions. We will share more details when they are made available,” Silliman said.
“From the moment the pandemic became our reality, we have prioritized the health and safety of all our employees and followed the guidance issued by public health officials,” he said. “We know vaccines are our solution to drive change and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities so that we can protect each other and emerge from this crisis. While we respect that within our workforce there are people with different beliefs and perspectives related to COVID-19 and the vaccine, we must comply with the government’s requirements, including those for federal contractors. Regardless of how you feel, remember we are all part of the same V Team, and let’s continue to show respect to each other.”
Further information can be obtained by going to the COVID-19 Employee Resource Page which includes an FAQ with additional details and deadlines.
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