ATA warns vaccine mandate could worsen supply chain troubles

From Transport Topics.

American Trucking Associations has sent a letter to the Biden administration expressing “grave concern” over the potential damage that the president’s plans for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for many businesses — including trucking companies — could cause for the country.

“While much of the country was sequestered in their homes, the trucking industry served its essential function and did so successfully with safety standards developed by public health experts,” said the Oct. 21 letter, signed by ATA President Chris Spear. “Now placing vaccination mandates on employers, which in turn force employees to be vaccinated, will create a workforce crisis for our industry and the communities, families and businesses we serve.”

The federation warns that motor carriers it represents – who it said supply 80% of the country and move 70% of all freight tonnage — could lose up to 37% of their drivers.

The letter notes that ATA supports the Administration’s goals of increased vaccination rates and clear health guidelines to enhance protections for all Americans. Its concern centers on the potential negative effect of the proposal.

“Unfortunately, however, the anticipated Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule as outlined together with the federal contractor vaccination mandate will have vast unintended consequences,” the letter said.

The OSHA emergency temporary standard requiring companies with 100 or more employees to require their employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 has not yet been made public, but was reportedly sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review on Oct. 12.

ATA said that given the administration’s acknowledgment of supply chain problems and recent actions to try to alleviate those issues, the current direction of OSHA and OMB will exacerbate the supply chain crisis.

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.