American Airlines says Biden's vaccine mandate 'supersedes' Texas' order
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both say they'll defy Texas' new COVID-19 vaccine mandate ban and adhere to the federal mandate from President Biden, Bloomberg reports.
After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday issued a new executive order banning "any entity" from imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates, American Airlines said, "We believe the federal vaccine mandate supersedes any conflicting state laws, and this does not change anything for American," per Bloomberg. Similarly, Southwest said, "We would be expected to comply with the president's order to remain compliant as a federal contractor." Both airlines have their headquarters in Texas and are requiring employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Abbott's new executive order said that "no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer." Biden, meanwhile, is requiring federal contractors to get vaccinated, and Bloomberg notes that American and Southwest both have contracts with the federal government. American will require its workers to get vaccinated by Nov. 24, while Southwest workers have until Dec. 8.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The White House criticized Abbott's order on Tuesday, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki arguing it's an example of "putting politics ahead of public health." Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, meanwhile, said Tuesday on CNBC that he's against companies mandating vaccines but that Biden's executive order "mandates that all federal employees and then all federal contractors, which covers all the major airlines, have to have a vaccine mandate in place by Dec. 8, so we're working through that."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
4 ways to give back this holiday season
The Explainer If your budget is feeling squeezed, remember that money is not the only way you can be generous around the holidays
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
4 tips for hosting an ecofriendly Thanksgiving
The Week Recommends Coming together for the holidays typically produces a ton of waste, but with proper preparation, you can have an environmentally friendly gathering.
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US charges Indian tycoon with bribery, fraud
Speed Read Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors for his role in a $265 million scheme to secure solar energy deals
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists approve contract, end strike
Speed Read The company's largest union approved the new contract offer, ending a seven-week strike
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US economy still strong in final preelection report
Speed Read It grew at a solid 2.8% annual rate from July through September
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists reject deal, continue strike
Speed Read The rejection came the same day Boeing reported a $6.2 billion quarterly loss
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ports reopen after dockworkers halt strike
Speed Read The 36 ports that closed this week, from Maine to Texas, will start reopening today
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Brain drain' fear as record numbers leave New Zealand
Under The Radar Neighbouring Australia is luring young workers with prospect of better jobs
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Ghost kitchens are pulling a disappearing act
under the radar The delivery-only trend is failing to live up to the hype built up during the pandemic
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published