Mandatory vaccination policies for employees such as U.S. clothing giant Carhartt have been boycotted

Tooling and outdoor goods maker Carhartt is facing a backlash from conservatives who oppose the company's rules requiring employees to be vaccinated.

The protest comes at a time when there is a heated debate in the United States over a COVID-19 vaccine.

This month, the U.S. Supreme Court said the government could not force big employers to make vaccinations mandatory or test regularly. Companies, including coffee chain Starbucks, have changed their plans for enacting regulations since the Supreme Court made its statement.

But in a recent memo sent to employees, Carhartt's chief said the Supreme Court ruling did not change the company's requirements, which took effect for most employees in early January.

Mark Wallad, a descendant of Carhartt's founder and current CEO, wrote: "We put workplace safety at the forefront, and recent Supreme Court decisions do not affect this core value. "While we understand that there may be different perspectives, workplace safety is an area where we and the unions that represent our employees cannot compromise." "Unvaccinated employees are a risk that our company is unwilling to take. ”

After the message circulated on social media, prominent conservatives and Republicans expressed their views.

Conservative lawyer Molly McCann tweeted: "Carhartt listed unvaccinated people as at risk and imposed a vaccine injunction. "This company is upheld by ranchers, farmers, workers, and other laborers who make this country great and proud of her liberal values." "Boycott Carhartt until they collapse." She said.

Founded in 1889, Carhartt employs more than 5,500 people worldwide. In recent years, Carhartt hats and coats have been seen everywhere in recent years, from school playgrounds to Golden Globe podiums, and the popular fashion brand was once called "one of the few brands that can transcend America's political divides."

While the Supreme Court vetoed the nationwide demand, the court was more open to states and companies making their own policies.

Investment banks Citi Group and United Airlines are among the companies that have issued vaccine mandates. United Airlines boss Scott Kirby recently told employees that the policy saved lives.

In the face of opposition, other companies have wavered.

A Gallup poll last December found that about 55 percent of U.S. workers support requiring vaccinations at work. But more than a third strongly disagreed. The disagreements on the issue are politically linked, with Republicans leading the way in the opposition.

Business groups say businesses are concerned about compliance costs and employee recruitment. About 63 percent of Americans were vaccinated, but that number varies from region to region.

This article originated from the financial world