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An internal memo from Google reveals that the tech giant may force workers who are unvaccinated to be put on leave, then laid off if they do not abide by Covid regulations.
Google originally gave employees until December 3 to upload proof of vaccination or receive approval for exemptions based on medical or religious reasons.
However, the memo added that those who do refuse to do either of these processes by January 13 will be placed on a 30-day administrative leave. During this period, if they are still not compliant, they could be placed on unpaid leave for up to six months, then terminated.
This policy would impact employees that would have been affected by the Biden administration’s vaccine executive order, which is currently facing challenges in the court system.
“As we’ve stated before, our vaccination requirements are one of the most important ways we can keep our workforce safe and keep our services running,” said Lora Lee Erickson, a spokesperson for Google. “We’re committed to doing everything possible to help our employees who can get vaccinated do so, and firmly stand behind our vaccination policy.”
A report from CNBC, which obtained the internal memo, adds that there may be other options for employees that remain unvaccinated.
For instance, they may be able to find positions that are not covered by the mandate, such as those that are outside of the office. Still, if employees fall under the mandate, they will be expected to receive a vaccination.
Google has yet to set a concrete date for employees to come back into the office after emerging variants have caused the company to delay their official return.
