Here’s Why A Leaked Letter From Carhartt’s CEO Sparked An Online Debate On Vaccine Mandates

Topline

American workwear brand Carhartt found itself in the crossfire of the culture wars after a letter from the CEO informing employees the company will continue to mandate coronavirus vaccinations leaked online, drawing both support and ire.

Key Facts

Carhartt confirmed to Forbes that the letter was an internal message CEO Mark Valade sent Friday informing employees that a recent U.S. Supreme Court move to temporarily block President Joe Biden’s workplace vaccine mandate while a legal challenge against it proceeds will not change Carhartt’s mandatory vaccine program.

Carhartt’s top priority is workplace safety, and the Supreme Court ruling “doesn’t impact that core value,” Valade wrote in the letter, adding that an unvaccinated workforce represents a risk the company is “unwilling to take.”

The vaccination requirement at Carhartt took effect earlier this month, according to the letter, though deadlines for two locations have been extended until next month.

The brand’s name was trending on Twitter on Tuesday morning, as some users expressed support for the mandate while others announced they would boycott the company’s products.

Crucial Quote

“Carhartt fully understands and respects the varying opinions on this topic, and we are aware some of our associates do not support this policy. However, we stand behind our decision because we believe vaccines are necessary to protect our workforce,” Carhartt said in a statement to Forbes.

Key Background

Carhartt, founded in 1889 in Detroit, is known for its work clothes, which were originally designed for manual laborers like railroad and construction workers and farmers. The company is owned by the descendants of founder Hamilton Carhartt. Its clothes became fashionable thanks to rappers who donned Carhartt designs in the 1980s, and since then the brand has released streetwear all over the world. Last week, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked Biden’s workplace vaccination mandate from being enforced while litigation against it continues in lower courts. The order requires companies with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccination or regular testing. Many big businesses like United Airlines, McDonald’s and Tyson Foods announced mandates even before Biden’s order.

Further Reading

What To Know About Biden’s Vaccine Mandates After Supreme Court Blocked Private Employer Rule (Forbes)

Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Private Employer Vaccine Mandate But Lets Healthcare Rule Take Effect (Forbes)

Here’s Who’s Most—And Least—Likely To Support Vaccine Mandates In The Workplace (Forbes)

How Carhartt became an American fashion icon (CNBC)