Truckers Exempt from Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh announced that most truck drivers are not subject to President Joe Biden’s Covid vaccine and testing requirements for private companies. This exemption is seen as a relief for the trucking industry, which was concerned about possible walkouts that could further strain supply chains.
During an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, Walsh stated, “We’ve heard some pushback from truckers today. The ironic thing is most truckers are not covered by this, because they’re driving a truck, they’re in a cab, they’re by themselves, they wouldn’t be covered by this.”
The mandate applies to businesses with 100 or more employees and went into effect after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the requirements in the Federal Register. Companies have until January 4 to ensure their employees are fully vaccinated. After this date, unvaccinated workers must present a weekly negative Covid test and wear masks indoors starting December 5.
Exemptions Clarified
According to the Department of Labor, the mandate excludes workers who do not interact with others in the workplace, including truck drivers who operate solo in their cabs or do not engage with others at departure or destination points. Workers operating from home or in outdoor settings are also exempt.
Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, expressed gratitude for these exemptions, stating that they represent a significant victory for the industry. He emphasized that the requirements would only apply to truck drivers working in teams or those interacting with others at their locations.
Concerns Over Driver Shortages
The American Trucking Associations previously voiced concerns about the potential impact of the mandates on driver retention, warning that many might leave the profession rather than comply. This could disrupt the supply chain further during the holiday season, especially given the industry’s current shortage of 80,000 drivers.
Spear highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust trucking workforce to ensure critical supplies, such as food, fuel, medicine, and vaccines, continue to be delivered efficiently.
Reactions to the Mandate
Despite the exemptions, Spear criticized the mandate, accusing OSHA of overstepping its authority by applying a blanket rule across various industries based on an arbitrary employee threshold. He mentioned that they are considering all possible measures to protect the entire workforce from the potential negative impact of this regulation.
Government’s Assurance
A senior administration official reassured that industry concerns are largely unfounded, referencing high compliance rates from companies like United Airlines that have established vaccine requirements. The official noted that the January 4 deadline is not a “cliff,” and OSHA will provide resources to help businesses implement the new regulations.
