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Southwest, American Airlines brush off Texas vaccine mandate ban
The big two Texas based airlines Southwest and American Airlines will still mandate Covid-19 vaccines in violation of the state’s new law banned the practice.
They say federal rules trump state law and have no intention of stopping the mandate.
An order was passed in the state banning any entity or private businesses from imposing vaccination on employees.
"According to the President’s Executive Order, federal action supersedes any state mandate or law, and we would be expected to comply with the President’s Order to remain compliant as a federal contractor," Southwest spokesperson Brandy King said.
"We will continue to follow all orders closely and keep our employees updated on any potential changes to existing policies."
American Airlines said it also reviewing Texas Gov. Abbott’s executive order but believe a federal order supersedes any conflicting state law.
The White House slammed the Texas law as a political stunt that ‘fits a familiar pattern that we’ve seen of putting politics ahead of public health.’
It will ‘continue to work to implement vaccine requirement across the country, including in the states where there are attempts to oppose them.’
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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