Those are the words of Donnie King, CEO of Tyson Foods, announcing Aug. 3 that his company will require its employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
While noting that the mandate will exempt workers who cite medical or religious exceptions, King pointed out that his company has done what it can by offering on-site vaccination. But only half of the company’s 120,000 employees opted to get the vaccine.
So, the company’s Chief Medical Officer, Claudia Coplein, believed the next step was required. “This is the right time to take the next step to ensure a fully vaccinated workforce,” she said in a statement.
Companies have had to face myriad medical decisions since the pandemic arrived and are still struggling. In addition to being concerned about the health of their workforce, companies have had to take into consideration the views of their workforce with regard to vaccines.
But at some point, a decision has to be made.
I applaud Tyson for being the first major manufacturer to not only implement a policy but explain that it’s difficult to mandate things.