MGM Resorts requires employees and new hires to present proof of vaccination

MGM Resorts International announced Monday a new policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination. In a letter signed by CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle, the company notified its staff that it is now an employment condition to present proof of vaccination to all salaried employees and new hires throughout the United States.

The letter specifies that salaried employees who are not exclusively working from home must be vaccinated by October 15; and all employees, both hourly and salary, who do not work exclusively from home must provide proof of their vaccination status before beginning work as from August 30.

Existing hourly employees are not included in this policy at this time. It only applies to salaried employees and new hires, both salaried and hourly. 

“I know that for some of you this may be an unwelcome development – a consideration that we did not take lightly when making this decision. However, as one of the largest and most trusted operators and employers in our industry, MGM Resorts is determined to do our part to curb the spread of the virus and help counter alarming trends in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination is the most effective tool in doing so”, reads the letter.

Hornbuckle also wrote in his letter that pop-up clinics in the company’s properties will continue to work on a regular basis, in order to “make it easy and seamless” to get the vaccine. These clinics are open to families, entertainers and employees of third-party vendors. 

Hornbuckle also underscored that those members of the staff who remain hesitant about getting the vaccines can find information about both its efficacy and safety in the clinics and on the My MGM platform. 

“Our guests and employees deserve to know that we are doing everything in our power to keep them safe,” Hornbuckle said. “I firmly believe we must do all we can to bring this public health emergency to an end”. 

By the end of July, Bill Hornbuckle announced that all the company’s employees must present proof of their vaccination status, or else pay a $15 weekly COVID-19 test. In a posterior letter, MGM’s CEO also said that any non-vaccinated member of the staff who were exposed to the virus must quarantine and will not perceive their salary during those days in lockdown.