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What the Vaccine Mandate Entails for Fast Food Franchises

The Biden Administration revealed that restaurants and employers have until January 4, 2022 to get their workers vaccinated, and employees who opt out will be required to wear masks and test for COVID weekly.

In an effort to keep the number COVID-19 cases down, there are some new rules that both restaurant owners and other businesses with at least 100 employees must follow. Specifying parts of a broad plan first revealed in September of this year, the Biden administration has made it clear that as of January 4, 2022, restaurant companies and other businesses with at least 100 employees have to ensure workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or agree to wear a mask and test once a week).

It will be required that all business owners keep records of employee vaccination or test results. 

How This Impacts Franchise Fast-Food Restaurants

It’s important to note that the 100-employee mandate is based on headcounts, not full-time equivalents (FTEs). If a business has 75 full timers and 25 part-timers, it is still covered by the requirement.

Also, this count is per employer not per outlet of a multi-location business (Subway, Wendy’s, Chipotle, etc.). For example: A Taco Bell franchisee with four locations, each with 25 employees, would be required to comply. That franchisee would also need to factor in any seasonal workers. 

What’s Going on Now

Starting December 5, any unvaccinated employees at qualifying companies will be required to wear facemasks while at work. In addition, those qualifying employers are required to provide up to four hours of paid time off for workers to get vaccinated.

While this mandate is currently at the 100 employees headcount, smaller businesses can expect to see the mandate head their way soon. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is gathering input on how to extend the requirement to those establishments. However, even with the mandate just reaching the larger businesses for the time being, the White House expects two-thirds of the nation’s businesses and 100 million workers to be covered.

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