In a press release, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. said that its COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program helped it reach a companywide vaccination rate of 75%. The company employs approximately 25,000 people across 43 locations.

Cliffs introduced the incentive program in July, when its companywide vaccination rate stood at just 35%. The program grants employees who receive the COVID-19 vaccine a US$1,500 bonus; employees at locations with a total vaccination rate of at least 75% see that bonus doubled to US$3,000. More than 60% of Cleveland-Cliffs locations have reached or exceeded the 75% vaccination goal in the program’s first 45 days, the company said.

“I am delighted with the success of our vaccine incentive program. I appreciate the support of our local managers and union partners in making herd immunity a reality at the majority of our locations,” said Cleveland-Cliffs chairman, president and chief executive Lourenco Goncalves.

“I implore both my steel-producing peers and all other companies who have not already done so to implement similar programs, in order to defeat this nasty virus in our country once and for all,” Goncalves added.