Merck Employees Protest Vaccine Mandate In Upper Gwynedd

UPPER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP, PA — Several dozen Merck employees gathered with supporters of their cause outside the Upper Gwynedd campus last week to protest the company's vaccine mandate.

Merck has required that all of its US-based employees be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption.

"Join the rally to support all the Merck employees standing for medical freedom and vaccine CHOICE!" a flyer for the event read. "If the government can force vaxx in companies they can force vaxx in schools. Now is the time to take a stand."

The group gathered near Building 53, at the intersection of Sumneytown Pike and Allentown Road.

The event was organized by Josh Hogan, leader of Reopen Bucks, and the Pennsylvania Freedom Coalition.

In a statement, Merck said that the mandate was issued because they are a "science-based healthcare company with a longstanding commitment to inventing and providing important medicines and vaccines."

"We are committed to supporting our employees during this process as we work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment," they added.