Boeing will no longer require employees in the US to have COVID-19 vaccinations.
The vaccine requirement for federal contractors was suspended after a judge blocked the enforcement of President Joe Biden's vaccine requirement.
In order to comply with Biden's mandate, Boeing will require its US workers to get vaccinations.
The Seattle Times reported that the mandate caused protests from a "vocal minority" of workers who said they'd rather lose their job than get the vaccine.
More than 11,000 Boeing employees requested religious or medical exemptions from the vaccine requirement.
The New York Times reported that the company said that almost all of its employees in the US were either fully vaccine or have exemptions from the mandate.
Boeing said in a statement to The Times that it had suspended its vaccine requirement in line with a federal court's decision prohibiting enforcement of the federal contractor executive order and a number of state laws.
The note that was sent to employees still encouraged them to get the vaccine, but it seemed to try and strike a balance between the employees who don't want to be required to get the shot and those who want to feel safe at work, The Times reported.
According to The Times, Boeing's chief medical officer said that the vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I want to encourage our employees to get a booster if they have not done so to help protect their teammates, families, and communities.
