Dear Freeport-McMoRan Employee:
As we face yet another surge in COVID-19 cases due to the more aggressive Delta variant, it is more important than ever to adhere to our mitigation protocols. These have served us well in protecting our workforce to date and will continue to be key going forward. Additionally, vaccines now are providing the best defense to not only address the current situation, but to stop the virus and prevent other variants.
Today, most people who are getting sick, including those who are hospitalized or die from COVID-19, are unvaccinated. Based on health-care statistics in counties where we operate, we believe only 35 to 40 percent of current employees are vaccinated.
As an organization that puts health and safety first, we want to do all we can to protect our employees, families and communities. With this in mind, and recognizing it is a personal decision, we are strongly encouraging all employees to learn the facts and get vaccinated, if appropriate.
To further our efforts, we are offering a special incentive to eligible employees1 who already have received and / or get the full manufacturer-recommended dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from any health-care provider or health authority by October 15, 2021.
Those who submit satisfactory proof of vaccination will have the choice of receiving a $500 payment, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, or 16 hours of paid time off, valid through December 31, 2022.
The $500 payment will be paid on one of the following two dates:
• September 16 – for those who submit satisfactory proof of vaccination by August 31
• November 2 – for those who submit satisfactory proof of vaccination by October 18
To receive the special incentive, please send a picture / scan of your vaccination card or record to vaccinationverification@fmi.com, along with your full name, employee ID number, work location and your choice of the $500 payment or 16 hours of paid-time off. All vaccination information provided will remain confidential and secure. If you need assistance submitting verification, please contact the HR Service Center at 1-888-855-4357 or hrsc@fmi.com. If you believe you need an accommodation, please contact your local Human Resources Manager.
Our top priority remains the well-being of our employees and their families. Vaccinations can help to protect you by reducing the risk of serious illness and protect others against the spread of COVID-19. Again, we understand it’s a personal choice and simply ask all employees to learn the facts to make an informed decision, as well as respect the decisions of others. Please remember, we are all in this together.
Our company medical director, Dr. Richard Vinroot, is available at rvinroot@fmi.com to answer your questions or address concerns. You also can scan this QR code to watch a video with answers to common employee questions about the vaccination.
Thank you for your commitment to protect the health and safety of your workplace and communities during the pandemic. We know it hasn’t been easy and appreciate your actions to keep us all safer and our operations running.