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DALLAS – Several large DFW employers, including its second largest, American Airlines, plan to comply with the Biden administration’s new vaccination rules, which require any business with 100 or more employees to require mandatory vaccinations or tests.
U.S. and Southwest airlines are reviewing the president’s order, but said they would likely comply.
A local employer said it was moving forward with the vaccines mandate later this month.
A day after President Joe Biden announced that the Department of Labor would require weekly COVID vaccinations or tests for any business with more than 100 employees, employers are bracing for the policy change.
“Within minutes, I sent a message to my management team saying, ‘OK, we’re doing this,’” said Kevin Lillis, owner of Hospitality Alliance, which has about 200 employees at several restaurants. “We absolutely respect people’s freedoms, but we feel more comfortable pushing people to do it or provide negative tests now that it has obtained FDA approval.”
Much larger employers, such as Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, are reviewing the president’s order.
In a letter to employees on Friday, US airlines said, “As we review the details of the plan and determine the way forward for American, what we do know is that the president’s actions underscore the importance for team members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 – and as soon as possible. “
Southwest said in a statement, “With more than 54,000 employees, Southwest Airlines is poised to come into compliance with the next US Department of Labor rule.”
“My message to unvaccinated Americans is, what more to look forward to? What more do you need to see? President Biden said in his announcement Thursday.
RELATED: Biden announces vaccination mandate for employers with more than 100 workers
This photo taken on November 17, 2020 shows a syringe and a vial indicating “Vaccine Covid-19”. – According to the World Health Organization, some 42 “vaccine candidates” against the new Covid-19 coronavirus are in clinical trials on Novem
As expected, Republicans criticized the new rule, which will affect around 80 million private sector workers.
But the president also received some criticism from the main unions, which gave him their support in the 2020 elections.
The Republican National Committee plans to file a complaint against the president’s action, calling it “unconstitutional”.
The White House remained closed on Friday.
“He has the power, Secretary Walsh, to act and set standards to make sure people are doing things to protect themselves and the people around them,” said Karine Jean-Pierre, Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary. “This makes sure that we save your life and that you save your own life and protect the people around you.”
Meanwhile, Lillis said he is working to get his employees vaccinated within the next month.
Businesses have up to 75 days to comply.
Employees who require time off for vaccine-related side effects will be compensated.
He said those who opt for weekly testing will have to take their test at their own expense.
“We haven’t heard any setbacks so far and we don’t anticipate any,” said Lillis.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted that he would sue the Biden administration very soon.
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