Policies & IssuesAug 03, 2021
5 Things Retailers Should Know About COVID-19 SafetyPolicies & IssuesSep 28, 2021
Vaccine Mandate Raises Questions for Retailers
NRF and RILA say their members need more information and will need more time before requiring employees to get vaccinated.
The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), raising questions and expressing concerns about an impending vaccine or testing mandate for companies with 100 or more employees.
New York—Retailers need more time and more information to implement new rules about employees being vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a letter by two large retail trade organizations.
The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asking for 90 days to prepare to meet the requirement.
The letter is seemingly a pre-emptory measure, as OSHA has not yet released a draft of the regulations or given a timeline for when the mandate would take effect.
President Joe Biden reached out to OSHA earlier this month, directing the government agency to implement an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that requires companies with 100 or more employees to either have their workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require weekly testing.
OSHA can issue an ETS if it is deemed necessary to protect workers from grave danger.
In June, OSHA issued an ETS requiring health care employers to implement COVID-related health measures, including providing personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, and allowing for social distancing.
Under this new standard, those working for healthcare providers, federal employees, and employees of federal contractors will be required to get the vaccine.
The standard would also require paid time off for employees to get the vaccine.
Related stories will be right here …
The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asking for 90 days to prepare to meet the requirement.
The letter is seemingly a pre-emptory measure, as OSHA has not yet released a draft of the regulations or given a timeline for when the mandate would take effect.
President Joe Biden reached out to OSHA earlier this month, directing the government agency to implement an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that requires companies with 100 or more employees to either have their workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require weekly testing.
OSHA can issue an ETS if it is deemed necessary to protect workers from grave danger.
In June, OSHA issued an ETS requiring health care employers to implement COVID-related health measures, including providing personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, and allowing for social distancing.
Under this new standard, those working for healthcare providers, federal employees, and employees of federal contractors will be required to get the vaccine.
The standard would also require paid time off for employees to get the vaccine.
Several major companies already have vaccination requirements in place, including The Walt Disney Company, Goldman Sachs, Google, Netflix, Tyson Foods, The Fox Corporation, and United Airlines.
In their letter, NRF and RILA noted that retailers have put various health and safety checks in place throughout the pandemic and have been “at the forefront of the vaccination effort,” with many providing financial incentives and paid time off to allow retail employees to get the vaccine.
“As we have navigated federal and state requirements, recommendations, and protocols, we have learned that it takes time to implement successful testing and vaccination programs—particularly in the face of challenges related to availability, access, and verification,” said the letter.
The letter also shared a list of questions from the groups’ members, including queries on how to verify vaccination status and what to do if an employee refuses both options.
Some of the questions include:
- How should employers handle religious and health exemptions?
- As the holiday season approaches, does the mandate apply to seasonal employees?
- Would it apply to an independent contractor or remote worker?
- Would the mandate affect teenage retail workers? Those workers may need parental consent for vaccination and testing, the letter noted.
Looking at the retail workforce, there may be as many as 4 million employees who would need weekly testing, stated the letter.
This begs the question about the availability of adequate testing: If testing is not available in a certain area, would the employer be fined? Would the employee be unable to work that week?
It’s also unclear whether the employee or employer would pay for the testing, should there be a charge, said the letter. Should the employee pay the testing fee to incentivize vaccinations?
Delta Air Lines announced last month that it will require employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus or be tested weekly and incur a $200 monthly surcharge for health insurance.
With booster shots now available for select individuals, the members also asked how OSHA will define “vaccinated.”
If an employee receives one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and is waiting to receive the second dose, do they still require weekly testing?
“Requiring employers to mandate vaccination and testing of all employees will require extensive coordination with employers and all levels of government,” the letter stated.
Read the full letter here.
With booster shots now available for select individuals, the members also asked how OSHA will define “vaccinated.”
If an employee receives one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and is waiting to receive the second dose, do they still require weekly testing?
“Requiring employers to mandate vaccination and testing of all employees will require extensive coordination with employers and all levels of government,” the letter stated.
Read the full letter here.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
