Both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are now backing off plans to fire employees who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine as is required by a federal mandate.
The past couple of weeks have been tough on Southwest. They suffered through days of flight delays and cancellations but denied it had anything to do with the vaccine mandate.
On Monday, scores of Southwest employees and supporters demonstrated outside corporate headquarters in Dallas with signs saying things like "Freedom Not Force" and "No Jabs For Jobs."
The next day, Southwest said the vaccine mandate is off the table.
Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King said Tuesday that employees must submit proof that they got the shots, or file a request for an exemption from vaccination, by Nov. 24. Employees whose requests have not been processed or approved by Dec. 8 will be allowed to keep working, she said, according to the Associated Press.
“While we intend to grant all valid requests for accommodations, in the event a request is not granted, the company will provide adequate time for an employee to become fully vaccinated while continuing to work and adhering to safety protocols,” King said.
American Airlines said Tuesday that workers who are granted medical or religious exemptions will probably have to wear face masks and undergo regular testing, but the airline is still working on details. "American will not be placing any team members on unpaid leave as part of the federal vaccine mandate," said American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller.
Southwest and American are both based in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott ordered businesses not to require employees or customers to be vaccinated.
Both airlines say they will comply with President Joe Biden’s federal mandate that contractors require vaccination, which they believe has legal priority over state orders.
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