Pilots warn of flight disruptions if vaccinne mandate goes ahead
Pilots at American and Southwest Airlines are warning of staff shortages, potentially leading to cancelled flights if vaccines are mandatory for them.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) said a mandate issued by the White House would force airline to ‘offer unpaid leaves of absence or, worse, implement mass terminations of unvaccinated pilots.’
APA president, Eric Ferguson, wrote in a letter to the White House, that officials should look at alternate means of compliance’ rather than force pilots to get vaccinated.
"All of those members are still able to perform their duties as professional pilots. To force those pilots out of their positions, rather than offering viable alternatives will have adverse consequences upon their families and the airline industry as a whole," he wrote.
Ferguson sent the letter to various officials in the FAA, Congress and the Department of Transportation.
APA represents 14,000 American Airlines pilots.
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) also warned of similar consequences.
"SWAPA’s stance is that it is each pilot’s right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine," the union said.
Southwest recently said it would offer employees 16 hours extra pay if they provide proof of full vaccination.
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