The good news is that while we are here arguing about this (we represent less than 1% of our pilot group), the vast majority of our pilots, no matter what/how they feel about the vaccine, are out flying the schedule or on days off not participating in online forum banter (which is where I would like to be as well…). I’ve flown with a couple of people who believe almost 100% the opposite of what I do with regards to all of this and we respect each other’s opinions and get the job done (don’t know if I’ve flown with an unvaccinated pilot yet as I don’t ask). We will move on from this as well. Those who refuse vaccination will march down the road through CPO/HR and find a solution that works for them and the airline.
Big picture here…..we are hiring and adding back capacity in a rush due to the vaccine. Nobody can dispute that. The vaccine, secured by the previous administration for each and every citizen of this country (with a ton of extra to go around) is what has allowed our passengers to come back. I have no problem giving the prior administration credit for operation warp speed. It literally saved industries, to include ours. Even if you don’t want to take the vaccine yourselves, you can thank the people who developed/secured/administered/and took it for your current job security.