Hard pandemic decisions are hard

DealBook reports this morning that Walmart and other major employers are starting a heavy push toward requiring vaccines for their employees—just not the ones on the front lines, who are most likely to be unvaccinated. The article cites fears over the tight labor market and negotiations with unions as potential suspects for the half measures, but I suspect a more nefarious motive hides just underneath the surface: the fear of “politicizing” the workplace.

Always funny how our fears tend to drive us into the exact place we didn’t want to be. As more educated, white-collar workers get vaccinated, the mandate threatens to widen a class divide already incredibly stark in American society.

Employers would be better suited making a strong case for vaccine mandates for all employees, regardless of the type of worker, and create a culture of solidarity and common cause. Sure, a mandate might turn off some workers, but it will attract others who’ll feel safer being a part of that kind of working environment.

If you’re going to do something important, don’t do it halfway.