IF Delta were actually responding to the insurer’s increased premiums for individuals who have not been vaccinated, that would be fine. The company gets to decide what it pays for/shares cost with/or passes fees on to the employee. But, that’s not what’s happening here. This is a fine. A penalty. The insurer is not being paid this extra fee, Delta is. Delta’s statement that the average covid hospital stay has cost Delta $50,000 implies Delta has no health insurance - they’re self-insuring. Is that true? Or, are they saying each person that goes into the hospital costs the airline lost revenue equivalent to $50,000? With around 80,000 people working for Delta, They’re going to reap a windfall if up to 1/3 of their employees are not vaccinated. Sounds suspiciously like a way to regain lost revenue.
Better be careful here. Delta may decide anyone engaged in risky activity will need to be penalized with higher premiums next. Or, out on sick leave. Or, having a baby. Or … you get the picture.