TVA’s vaccine mandate deadline is Monday, but utility isn’t immediately firing any workers

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Nurse Vicki Reinshagen talks to a vaccine recipient as nurse Tracy Brown prepares the shot last month at the CARTA bus barn vaccination center. Under President Joe Biden's executive order for all federal employees, TVA workers will be required by Monday to show proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine shots or they will begin a progressive disciplinary process that will include education, testing and ultimately dismissal from their jobs if they don't get the vaccine or obtain a religious or medical exemption to the requirement. Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Nurse Vicki Reinshagen talks to a vaccine recipient as nurse Tracy Brown prepares the shot last month at the CARTA bus barn vaccination center. Under President Joe Biden's executive order for all federal employees, TVA workers will be required by Monday to show proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine shots or they will begin a progressive disciplinary process that will include education, testing and ultimately dismissal from their jobs if they don't get the vaccine or obtain a religious or medical exemption to the requirement.

By Dave Flessner November 17, 2021 6 min read

TVA workers face a Monday deadline to show proof they have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus under President Joe Biden’s executive order for federal employees.

But Tennessee Valley Authority officials say they are still working with unvaccinated employees and won’t immediately fire employees next week who are not fully vaccinated.

TVA plans a series of vaccination education programs, COVID-19 regular testing and other incentives to convince unvaccinated workers to get their preventive shots. Employees may also request religious or medical exemptions and accommodations.

But ultimately, TVA officials said employees who are not granted such exemptions will have to get the vaccine to keep their jobs, even if they work remotely – unless court challenges to such government mandates overrule the White House directive.

Despite some GOP Congressional concerns about what the mandate may do to staffing levels, TVA officials say they are ready to keep the lights on and the heat coming this winter.