• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

U.S. debt is even worse than it seems, and rising Treasury yields are now an 'all-hands-on-deck situation,' top economist warns

2

China's export shock is pushing the global economy to a breaking point, and the U.S. may have to clean up the mess, former trade official says

3

Kevin O'Leary says if you earn $68,000 a year and follow this rule, you'll retire a millionaire

1

U.S. debt is even worse than it seems, and rising Treasury yields are now an 'all-hands-on-deck situation,' top economist warns

2

China's export shock is pushing the global economy to a breaking point, and the U.S. may have to clean up the mess, former trade official says

3

Kevin O'Leary says if you earn $68,000 a year and follow this rule, you'll retire a millionaire
HealthSouthwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines gives vaccinated employees two extra days of pay

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 16, 2021, 4:37 PM ET
Google source logo
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Southwest Airlines is using a carrot-and-stick approach to encourage employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The carrier announced late Wednesday that employees who get fully vaccinated will receive the equivalent of two days’ salary if they show proof by Nov. 15. Those who don’t could face some hardships, as the company plans to cut quarantine pay protections for unvaccinated people who get sick from the virus. Those protections gave employees full pay for up to 10 days if they were exposed to or got COVID on the job.

Workers will still be able to use their regular sick days if infected.

“If you have not been vaccinated and choose to do so, this timeline gives you enough time to receive both rounds of a two-series vaccine or the single-dose vaccine,” Southwest wrote to staff in the memo announcing the updated policies.

The extra pay perk could be a welcome to flight crews (who aren’t paid hourly, but will receive a bonus equal to what they would make for 13-trip segments). Last month, Southwest announced it will cut its flight schedule through Nov. 5 as it struggles with staffing issues and to better align its employee operations. The airline cuts will average 27 flights per day from Sept. 7 through Oct. 6, and 162 daily flights from Oct. 7 through Nov. 5.

Similar cuts are expected in November and December, though the carrier said it was aiming to maintain the usual number around the holidays, in anticipation of higher traffic.

The move follows Delta Air Lines, which said it would charge non-vaccinated employees an extra $200 per month for their health plans. United, meanwhile, has set a Sept. 27 deadline for its employees to be vaccinated. Those who refuse will face termination or unpaid leave, a move that has greatly increased its vaccination numbers.

More must-read business news and analysis from Fortune:

  • COVID deaths are up 40%. These states are running low on ICU beds and health workers
  • Lumber’s epic boom and bust, explained in 8 charts
  • This chart shows why the housing market may see an end-of-September shock
  • Dartmouth MBA grads going into these fields start out at $200K
  • Fast-fashion giants Zara and H&M are recovering from the pandemic at very different speeds

Subscribe to Fortune Daily to get essential business stories straight to your inbox each morning.

About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Google source logo
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Health


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in Health


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.