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Alliant Energy is offering a financial incentive for employees to get vaccinated before the end of 2021. It is just one of the ways businesses have attempted to coerce employees into receiving a shot they seemingly do not want.

If the company hits its vaccine goals, only employees who are vaccinated will be rewarded with the payment.

“We continue to be certain that no matter how it applies to us, approved vaccines are highly effective against COVID and variants of the virus, especially at preventing serious illness that leads to hospitalizations and death,” the communication said. “Throughout the pandemic, our company has strongly encouraged you to get vaccinated. It greatly helps protect you, your team members and your family. It makes us more resilient as a company so we can continue to serve all those who count on us.”

Alliant said it is offering a “one-time vaccine payment program” if by Dec. 31:

*80 percent of employees are vaccinated, all vaccinated employees will receive $600, or

*85 percent of employees are vaccinated, all vaccinated employees will receive $800, or

*90 percent of employees are vaccinated, all vaccinated employees will receive $1,000.

“If less than 80 percent of employees are vaccinated, no employee will receive any payment,” the communication said. “Proof of vaccination will be required.”

“Should we hit any of these targets, this will be a financial investment for our company,” the communication states. “It’s an important investment in you, our people, and our greatest resource. It aligns with our Strategy and Purpose to serve our customers and build stronger communities.”

This form of coercion has not been addressed by Iowa lawmakers despite it lingering for months. While there was a bill in the Iowa House to ban mandatory microchipping or incentivizing microchipping of employees, lawmakers have refused to use that blueprint for vaccinations.

Author: Jacob Hall

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