A federal judge has rejected a bid by pilots to block Southwest Airlines from imposing a vaccine mandate, saying the Dallas-based airline is within its power to require vaccination as a safety measure.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn denied the request by the airline’s pilot union to issue a temporary restraining order against the airline’s requirement.
The judge said Tuesday that Southwest is within its authority to require vaccinations to improve safety and maintain its operations.
Southwest Airlines asked its employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to comply with a Biden administration requirement for federal contractors including airlines that have contracts with the government.
In recent days, the airline has weakened the requirement by saying workers who fail to comply won’t be fired. Southwest has openly encouraged employees to ask for a medical or religious exemption from being vaccinated if they object to getting the shots.
Southwest is giving employees until Nov. 24 to provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption.
Topics Legislation Aviation
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Florida Agency Owner and Unlicensed Agent Charged in Fake Certificates Scheme 
Trucking Companies Confront Mounting Diesel, Insurance, Debt Costs 
More Florida Insurers Announce Rate Cuts for Auto, Homeowners, Condo Units 
Florida AG Sues Climate Modeler First Street Over Home Risk Scores 
