Universal requires workers to share COVID vaccine status
Park won’t mandate shots, however
Under a new policy, Universal Orlando will require employees to share their COVID-19 vaccination status with the company, but the theme park won’t order workers to get the shots.
Employees disclosing their vaccination statuses will help the company “better ensure adherence with our strict health and safety protocols,” spokesman Tom Schroder said in a statement Thursday.
Though Universal Orlando has not required its employees to be vaccinated, it is “urging” them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they are able, Schroder said.
Workers will receive further information about the policy soon, he added.
It is not clear when the policy will take effect or how employees will disclose their vaccination status, including whether those who claim to be vaccinated would be required to present proof. Schroder did not immediately respond to additional questions regarding the policy.
Universal’s announcement comes nearly two weeks after the Walt Disney Co. announced it would require all non-union employees nationwide to get the vaccine. Employees have 60 days from the July 30 announcement to complete their vaccinations.
Union employees are still negotiating the terms of Disney’s mandate, but Unite Here Local 362 president Eric Clinton previously said a union survey found most members supported receiving the vaccine.
After Disney’s announcement, Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of Cincinnati-based International Theme Park Services, said he anticipated other theme parks nationwide would follow Disney’s lead in requiring vaccinations.
“It’s going to spread through the entire industry,” he said.