Judge rejects pilots' bid to block Southwest Airlines' vaccine mandate

A federal judge has rejected an effort by pilots to block Southwest Airlines from imposing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, saying the carrier has the right to require employees to get their shots.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn denied the request by the airline's pilot union to issue a temporary restraining order against the airline's requirement. The judge ruled Tuesday that Southwest may lawfully require vaccinations to improve safety and maintain its operations.

Southwest asked employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to comply with a Biden administration requirement for federal contractors, including airlines that have contracts with the government.