By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Postal Service expressed concern Wednesday about new Biden Administration rules that require large employers to have vaccinations and weekly COVID-19 testing. This could lead to “high levels in absenteism” as well as affect delivery.

Last week, the Labor Department issued rules https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/bidens-vaccine-mandate-be-enforced-after-new-year-offering-us-companies-relief-2021-11-04 that require businesses with 100 or more employees to mandate weekly testing or vaccines by Jan. 4. Employers must ensure that unvaccinated workers in person wear masks no later than Dec. 5, according to the rules.

In a financial filing, the USPS, which employs 644,000 people, stated that it would be difficult to comply with new testing and vaccine rules called an Emergency Temporary Standard (or ETS) during peak season. This is especially due to its fast schedule.

According to the USPS, compliance “could lead to labor difficulties and high levels of absenteeism.” Employees could choose to go home, which would cause serious business disruptions and lower revenue.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, New Orleans will decide whether to uphold an order from Saturday which froze a rule while it was being litigated. Texas, private employers, and religious organisations have brought lawsuits against the government for violating its authority to issue vaccine rules.

David Partenheimer, a USPS spokesperson, stated Wednesday that the Postal Service is reviewing the ETS. He stated that “We are continuing to take steps to ensure the safety and health of our Postal employees.”

According to President Joe Biden, the rule will have an impact on approximately 84 millions workers.