United Airlines Gives Every Employee $1,000 Pandemic Bonus

NEWARK, NJ — United Airlines is giving $1,000 to every active employee as a way of saying thanks for their service during the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced Tuesday.

All of the company’s active employees – 67,000 in total – have been named winners of the annual United 100 Award, which is usually limited to 100 workers who put in service that’s “above and beyond” the usual call of duty.

Each of the workers will be getting a $1,000 bonus, adding up to a cool $67 million, a United spokesperson said.

Most employees will be getting their money on Nov. 19 – just in time for the holiday season, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted.

“The pandemic tested us all like never before, but your perseverance, commitment and hard work are the things that really helped United emerge on the other side as a better, stronger airline,” Scott said during a surprise meeting with workers. “We appreciate the things you did to support our customers and one another during the crisis, and hope you find a way to put this extra cash to good use before the holidays.”

The Chicago-based airline maintains a hub at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

In August, the airline announced that starting this fall, every U.S.-based employee, including those at Newark Airport, will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and upload their vaccination record to the company's database.

After several employees filed a lawsuit over the policy, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that expires on Oct. 26.

• See related article: United Airlines Mandates Coronavirus Vaccine For U.S. Employees

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