By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters), United Airlines is allowing unvaccinated workers to resume their work on March 28.

A memo from the Chicago-based U.S. carrier indicated that approximately 2,200 employees were provided with vaccine-related accommodations following its mandate to provide employee vaccinations.

According to the memo, “We will welcome back employees who were out on an approved (accommodation), to their usual positions starting March 28.”

In December, United Chief Executive Scott Kirby, (NYSE:), stated that about 200 employees did not follow United’s mandate, and they were terminated. According to United officials, the airline does not plan on rehiring these employees.

It was noted that COVID-19 incidences have declined sharply in the United States, and that the CDC had recently relaxed its mask guidelines.

According to the memo, “These changes suggest the pandemic’s beginning to meaningfully recede.” “As a result, we’re confident we can safely begin the process of returning” employees with accommodations to their jobs.

In the memo, it was added that “Of course,” if a different variant of the OVID trend suddenly reverses course, then we will reevaluate safety protocols.

The U.S. appels court last month directed United to review a lower court ruling that did not prevent United from exercising its employee vaccine mandate.

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to return the issue to a U.S. District judge who rejected a request for an injunction blocking the mandate while employees argue against it. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the case should be referred to a U.S. district judge, who refused to injunct the mandate and let employees present their arguments against it.

Judge Jerry E. Smith stated in an ill-informed dissension that there was no reason why the employees could lose their appeal.

Kirby in December stated that the mandate was being enforced by employees because it is safe. This saved people’s lives.