Southwest announces vaccine mandate for employees; says federal regulation is the reason

Southwest Airlines on Monday told its more than 54,000 employees that they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8.

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Southwest said the mandate for vaccines was put into effect because of new rules from the Biden administration.

Southwest contracts with the federal government and new vaccine mandate rules extend to federal contractors.

Southwest’s work for the government includes flying the military in emergencies and carrying mail for the U.S. Postal Service, The Associated Press reported.

The company set the deadline for Dec. 8, but also said employees can ask for medical or religious reasons to refuse the shot.

Southwest is the latest airline to require its employees to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Last week, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue told their staff they must get vaccinated or face dismissal.

Delta Air Lines said Monday that it would continue requiring weekly testing for the unvaccinated. Nearly 84% of the airline’s employees are vaccinated, according to the airline.

“Southwest Airlines must join our industry peers in complying with the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination directive,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO.

“I encourage all Southwest Employees to meet the federal directive, as quickly as possible, since we value every individual and want to ensure job security for all.”

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