Boeing workers stage protest over US vaccine mandate
EVERETT, Washington (Reuters) – Waving signs saying “Coercion is not consent,” and “Stop the mandate,” some 200 Boeing Co employees and others staged a protest on Friday over the plane-maker’s COVID19 vaccine requirement for US workers.
Boeing said on Tuesday it will require US employees to be vaccinated by December 8 under an executive order issued by President Joe Biden for federal contractors.
As the pandemic has continued to rage, Biden announced the requirement in September because a large swath of Americans have resisted vaccination even though the shots are free, widely available and declared safe by regulators.
“It’s my choice and it’s my body,” one avionics engineer said, his voice nearly drowned out by anti-Biden chants and trucks honking to show support along the busy street outside Boeing’s factory in Everett, north of Seattle.
“It’s an experimental drug given under a pseudo-emergency,” he added.
Another worker, an assembly mechanic, said, “This is America. We don’t just do what we’re told because one person says to.”
Earlier this week, Boeing said employees must either show proof of vaccination or have an approved reasonable accommodation based on a disability or sincerely held religious belief by December 8.
“Boeing is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for our employees,” a spokesperson said. “Advancing the health and safety of our global workforce is fundamental to our values and a core priority every day.”
Major US airlines including American Airlines have said they will also meet the deadline imposed on federal contractors, as has aircraft parts manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems.