Can Iowa Employers Financially Penalize Workers Who Don’t Get Vaccinated?

Stop me if you've heard this one: the COVID-19 vaccine might be required before you go back to work and/or to keep working for your current employer. Yep, you know this is and will remain a hot-button issue for many months to come. We've seen some employers and cities/counties incentives employees to get the jab. Think gift cards and paid time to go get vaccinated while at work. But here's a new one you may not have heard: get the vaccine or lose out on some of your paycheck.

Employers are beginning to fine employees to turn down the COVID vaccine

As we try to roll back into COVID control in the U.S., Forbes details a new report from employee benefits company Mercer. In it, the company says many national employers are considering imposing a $20 to $50 a month charge to their unvaccinated workers. Meaning what exactly? Meaning you can go ahead and turn down the vaccine, but be prepared to pay for it. While Mercer is apparently staying quiet on what major companies are considering this move, it comes as more and more companies are mandating the COVID-19 vaccine. And, as more and more cities and counties are reimposing mask mandates - or suggesting re-masking.

Why your employer might do this

If you're curious as to why your employer might want to start docking you pay for being unvaccinated, there's first and foremost the public health issue. There are also strong financial incentives. Hospital costs and rising healthcare for those seriously ill to name a couple. A number of major employers are already requiring vaccination to maintain employment. Both Google and Facebook, for example, are requiring employees be vaccinated.