Compulsory Vaccination for Facebook & Google US Office Employees, Netflix Production Workers

Facebook has just announced that it will require its U.S. employees working on campus to be vaccinated amid the rise of the fast-spreading COVID-19 Delta variant across America.

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"As our offices reopen, we will be requiring anyone coming to work at any of our U.S. campuses to be vaccinated," said Facebook's Vice President of People Lori Goler in a message to TechCrunch.

"How we implement this policy will depend on local conditions and regulations. We will have a process for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons and will be evaluating our approach in other regions as the situation evolves. We continue to work with experts to ensure our return to office plans prioritize everyone’s health and safety."

According to Goler, the social media firm will draw up work arrangements for offices operating outside the U.S. as well. The company also maintained that not all of its employees will be stationed outside their homes as those who are able to work remotely are permitted to do so, even after the pandemic.

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Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai similarly revealed that vaccinations will be compulsory for staff fulfiling their duties in the office.

Pichai clarified that the plan will be implemented when vaccines are "widely available" in workers' communities. Local team leaders will guide them throughout the entire process.

Just like Facebook, Google assured its personnel that it will relay exceptions for people who cannot get vaccinated due to medical or personal grounds.

As of now, Google employees have the choice to work remotely considering the spike in Delta variant transmission in different areas. But the company said that its global voluntary work-from-home setup will lapse on 18 October. Exceptions will be made for those experiencing unique circumstances.

"We'll continue watching the data carefully and let you know at least 30 days in advance before transitioning into our full return to office plans. For those of you with special circumstances, we will soon be sharing expanded temporary work options that will allow you to apply to work from home through the end of 2021," wrote Pichai in a blog post.

Credit: Paul Sakuma

Taking the same route as the two tech companies, Netflix became the first big-ticket Hollywood studio that will compel production staff to be vaccinated, specifically actors and those working in close proximity to them.

The protocols have been approved by various Hollywood production unions and key studios, which all agreed to let producers carry out mandatory vaccination regulations for cast and crew members.

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Written by Sophia Lopez