United Airlines confirms they are in the process of laying off close to 600 employees due to noncompliance of their company-wide vaccine mandate.
The airline confirmed to KPRC 2 a total of 593 employees, which is less than 1%, were in the process of being let go due to not complying with the mandate by Monday’s deadline.
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In an internal memo to employees from United CEOs Scott Kirby and Brett Hart on Tuesday, 99% of their U.S.-based employees have been vaccinated since the announcement was sent out in August. The total does not include those who filed a medical or religious exemption.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision but keeping our team safe has always been our first priority,” the memo read.
Employees had until Sept. 27 to be vaccinated or face termination of the company, according to the Associated Press.
RELATED: United Airlines say 97% of US employees have been vaccinated