Scott Eelis | Bloomberg | Getty Images
IBM announced this week to US employees that they must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by December 8, or face an unpaid ban.
The company told workers it must meet President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for government contractors.
“As a federal contractor, it is a business imperative for IBM to fulfill this mandate,” the company said in a memo sent to employees this week. “Given this requirement, the guidelines of many of our customers and partners, and easy access to vaccines across the country, we will now require all IBM US employees by the 8th IBM.”
Unlike some companies like United Airlines, IBM’s vaccination policy doesn’t stop firing unvaccinated employees. But those who refuse to be vaccinated will not be paid after December 8th until they have completed their vaccinations.
Company spokeswoman Amanda Carl said employees removed from payroll for not receiving their vaccines will still be eligible for IBM’s 401K matching program. IBM doubles 401,000 contributions up to 6% once a year on December 15th.
Another IBM spokesperson told CNBC in a statement that the company would consider religious and medical exemptions for employees who cannot receive the vaccine.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that U.S. employees who are not vaccinated by December 15 will continue to receive their 401,000 assignment.
