Rebuffing Texas governor, American Airlines, Southwest stand by vaccine mandate

Rebuffing Texas governor, American Airlines, Southwest stand by vaccine mandate Rebuffing the Texas governor, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines said on Tuesday they would comply with U.S. President Joe Biden's executive order to require their employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 by a Dec. 8 deadline. Rajesh Kumar Singh,Sanjana Shivdas Reuters

CHICAGO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Rebuffing the Texas governor, American Airlines (AAL.O) and Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) said on Tuesday they would comply with U.S. President Joe Biden's executive order to require their employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 by a Dec. 8 deadline.

The two Texas-based carriers said the federal mandate superseded an order by Republican Governor Greg Abbott barring COVID-19 vaccine mandates by any entity, including private employers.

Southwest said it "would be expected to comply with the President's Order to remain compliant as a federal contractor." American said while it was reviewing Abbott's executive order, "this does not change anything" for the company.

Both carriers have asked U.S.-based employees to submit proof of vaccination by Nov. 24. ...