United Air will allow 2,200 unvaccinated workers on leave to resume their jobs

United Airlines Holdings Inc. will allow 2,200 unvaccinated employees to return to their jobs this month, saying there are signs that the Covid-19 pandemic is “beginning to meaningfully recede.”

Workers who were granted religious or medical exemptions and put on unpaid leave can resume working on March 28, Kirk Limacher, United’s vice president of human resources, said Thursday in a staff memo.

“The omicron surge shows clear signs of receding,” he said, citing declining case counts and hospitalization rates. “Of course, if another variant emerges or the Covid trends suddenly reverse course, we will reevaluate the appropriate safety protocols at that time.”

United was among the most aggressive U.S. employers in requiring that workers be vaccinated, announcing a companywide mandate in August. The airline fired about 200 employees and put those with a “reasonable accommodation” on leave or in new roles removed from customers and other workers.

United’s mandate drew a lawsuit in September from employees who said it violates religious and disability workplace accommodation laws. That litigation is continuing through appeals.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on United’s return-to-work decision.