Breaking News: President Biden Orders Vaccine Mandate
As part of a new action plan to address the surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Delta variant, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order mandating that employers with more than 100 employees must require workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing. The requirement will affect over 100 million Americans, including employees of Southwest Airlines.
While Southwest and its employees are subject to this new mandate, our legal counsel advises that limited exemptions based on religious objections and disability should still apply. Local 556 will provide its members further guidance in the coming week concerning these exemptions.
Concerning implementation, Local 556 will advocate that the Company provide the most favorable conditions possible under this federal mandate. We will continue to consult with legal counsel and monitor any legal challenges that may arise. Also, we will be in communication with the Company to understand any changes to Company policies, including paid time off to receive the vaccine, as provided for in the federal mandate.
President Biden also ordered that the TSA double the fines associated with refusing to comply with the federal mask mandate on public transportation, including air travel. In addition, he condemned passengers’ aggressive actions against Flight Attendants when enforcing these rules, explicitly naming our profession as a target of these unwarranted hostile actions. President Biden’s specific focus on this issue resulted from public campaigns by TWU Local 556 and other unions demanding that the government take direct action in defense of our Members. Together, we can accomplish anything.
COVID-19 has brought dramatic changes to our lives. We have grieved the loss of our loved ones and have worked on the front lines while others have stayed home. We have endured immense operational challenges even as we navigate through the personal toll this pandemic has taken. Please know this: Together, we will make it to the other side of this pandemic and a much-desired return to normal.
Thank you for your perseverance and your determination.
The views contained herein do not necessarily represent those of TWU Local 556 or TWU International. The purpose of this email communication is intended only to educate and inform TWU Local 556 Members. It is not intended to officially establish or clarify past practice, Contract language, or grievance/arbitration positions. It is therefore not to be utilized or relied upon by any person or party as evidence of the Union’s position on any past practices, Contract language, grievances/arbitrations, or any other disputes or issues between TWU Local 556 and Southwest Airlines.