Topic: Employer Mandate

Officials in Queensland, Australia, have announced strict vaccine mandates, warning citizens that life will be "miserable" and "lonely" without vaccination, including the loss of employment and access to entertainment. The hosts discuss a listener's perspective that Australia's "convict roots" have resulted in a culture where freedom is viewed as conditional parole rather than an inherent right.

Listener emails describe a trend of professionals, including hardware developers and nurses, resigning from their positions due to impending vaccine mandates. Reports suggest that 30% of some hospital staffs are refusing the vaccine, leading to large signing bonuses for new hires. The discussion notes that major events like CES and the Game Developers Conference are moving to vaccine-only attendance.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance stating that employers may legally require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees returning to the workplace. However, exemptions must be granted for sincerely held religious beliefs or disabilities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Legal experts debate how "sincerity" is determined in a professional or court setting.

The hosts explore the legal implications of companies requiring employees to receive experimental vaccines. They discuss Pfizer's request for full FDA approval, which could lead to more government and private sector mandates. The segment highlights Virginia Wesleyan University and other colleges already requiring vaccination records for students.

The discussion explores the potential for employees to sue California employers who question the validity of religious vaccine exemptions. Claims are made that such inquiries violate privacy and labor laws, presenting a lucrative opportunity for litigation against companies.

ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer is mocked for her perceived "tipsy" delivery while reporting on the delay of the Obamacare employer mandate. The hosts suggest her behavior is a recurring theme on the network. The segment focuses on the administration's decision to push back the requirement for large companies to provide health insurance until 2015.