Vaccine Mandate Intended to Help Businesses, Labor Chief Says

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is trying to preempt criticism of an impending private-sector vaccine mandate with a simple message: This is about employment growth, not burdens.

“The intention is not to put a burden on businesses; the intention is to get people vaccinated” and to ensure continued “opportunities for employment,” said Walsh, in an exclusive interview that was part of Bloomberg Government’s Hill Watch event Thursday.

“Certainly, we’re going to be very open to any concerns our businesses or individuals have as we move forward here,” said Walsh, head of the U.S. Department of Labor, which is spearheading the vaccine ...