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A quick rundown on the top news of the week of January 10, 2022
Air Travel Woes Continue: Less than two weeks into the new year, the flight delays and cancellations that plagued the holiday travel season are still riling travelers who are COVID-weary as fast-moving Omicron impacts airline staff and airport ground crew. More than 55,000 flights were canceled worldwide during the week between Christmas a New Years alone, one of the biggest travel times of the year, thanks to COVID and wicked weather that impacted much of the US. According to FlightAware, more than 5,000 flights were canceled this past weekend alone, and numerous airlines have announced reduced routes throughout the rest of the month. JetBlue and Southwest Airlines are among the hardest hit, although United Airlines announced this week that 3,000 of its employees (about 5 percent of its workforce) had tested positive for the virus. Alaska Airlines slashed nearly 10 percent of its flights for the month. In other words: Patience, grasshopper. It’s going to be a bumpy ride for a while.
New Mandates: Still traveling? New Orleans just announced that masks are required in all indoor establishments except private residences starting this morning (1.12.22) at 6 a.m. and through further notice. Going to a bar or restaurant in Philly? Make sure you bring your mask AND vaccination proof. Chicago’s proof of vaccination for indoor spaces started on Jan. 3, and starting Jan. 15, you’ll need similar proof in Boston and at least one dose of the vaccine in Washington, D.C. (but must be fully vaccinated by February 15).
OSHA Mandate Pending Before Supreme Court: Remember that vaccination mandate for businesses with 100+ employees that the Biden administration announced would be handled through OSHA? The rule was expected to go into effect starting January 10 but is currently being weighed in the US Supreme Court. Many against the mandate, including this op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, remark that it’s essentially toothless due to the number of breakthrough Omicron cases in the vaccinated offers little protection against spread. But proponents (example) note that the country won’t achieve a significant threshold of vaccination without a mandate. Passion is strong on both sides as we await a decision.
The Numbers: Inflation was up 7 percent in December over the past year, the highest rate since the second year of the Reagan administration (that’s 1982). Unemployment fell to 3.9 percent but employers only added 199,000 jobs in December, which was about 50,000 fewer than the previous month but was also among the lowest months in an otherwise strong year. Jobs added were mostly in the hospitality and restaurant industries.
[01.12.22]
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- Category: Industry News
NFI Group, an independent bus and coach manufacturer and provider of electric mass mobility solutions, has announced that the New Mobility Bursary, a scholarship created by subsidiary New Flyer of America in partnership with supplier AROW Global Corp, is now open for applications.
The $10,000 New Mobility Bursary, awarded through NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center, is open to candidates in the US and Canada between 17-24 years of age and currently enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related programs. The bursary is directly focused on supporting underserved, underrepresented, or disadvantaged individuals intending to pursue careers in the new mobility era, ultimately contributing the advancement equity, diversity, and inclusion in public transit. One bursary of $10,000 in local currency will be awarded. Applications are open through January 30, 2022, and can be submitted through newflyer.com/VIC.
NFI Executive Vice President of People and Culture Janice Harper
“Providing tangible support and helping remove barriers for young people to pursue technical education and training is vital to building inclusion and developing healthy candidate pipelines for our industry,” said NFI Executive Vice President of People and Culture Janice Harper. “Workforce development is a pivotal enabler of our shift to zero-emission. This is why we are investing in the advancement of young people, and hope every person has the chance to enter our industry and participate meaningfully in the new mobility era.”
The scholarship was first announced in November 2021 during APTA EXPO in Orlando, Florida, an event aligning with the United Nations COP26 climate change conference whose presidency program included key themes of progressing gender equality and demonstrating that science and innovation can deliver climate solutions.
The winner will be announced in spring of 2022.
Visit nfigroup.com for more information.
[01.11.22]
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- Category: Industry News
The National Limousine Association (NLA) has announced that they are once again offering their scholarship program for the 2022 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas. This program is designed to afford 10 first-time operators the opportunity to attend the show at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas on March 27-30.
The scholarship includes:
- One full show pass to the 2022 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas ($375)
- Three paid nights at host hotel, Paris Hotel Las Vegas ($600)
- One-year NLA membership if scholarship winner is not currently an NLA member ($450+)
- Networking and education to grow your business (Priceless!)
In addition to the valuable package above, scholarship winners will get first-hand advice and support from the NLA Board and Scholarship Committee to help them make the most out of their first show experience.
NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide
“I, like so many operators, remember how intimidating and overwhelming your first show can be and we are happy to be able to help new attendees dive right into the unmatched networking and educational opportunities the show has to offer,” says NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide.
If you are interested in learning more and applying, click to review the eligibility requirements, application, and more. The application period will close at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 10, so be sure to get your application in on time to be considered.
The NLA also wishes to acknowledge the hard work of the Scholarship Committee, including co-chairs Kevin Illingworth of Classique Limousines and Joe Reinhardt of Carolina Limousine & Coach, as well as Faith Glasgow of Peak Limo, Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine, Kevin Mullane of Silver Oak Transportation, and Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide. Their efforts in spearheading this important program have made it possible.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[01.10.22]