Southwest AirlinesAnd American AirlinesThe CEOs of the companies said on Thursday that they didn’t intend to fire employees who aren’t vaccinated, softening as the federal deadline draws near.

The Biden administration has mandated federal contractors starting Dec. 8 (including those two carriers) Delta UnitedOthers, in order to ensure their employees are protected against Covid-19.

American and Southwest recently eased their rhetoric regarding the mandate. They encouraged staff to request an exemption if they don’t intend to be vaccinated. Each carrier informed employees earlier this month that they will need to get vaccinated in order to keep working at the company.

Southwest last Friday told employees it no longer planned to put them on unpaid leave if the company hasn’t reviewed or approved their requests by the Dec. 8 deadline, CNBC reportedTuesday

Employees, as well as other people have protested against the mandate to inject vaccines at every carrier’s headquarters. Some unions in their ranks have also protested the mandate.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly stated that if they cannot get vaccinated then we will ask them to find an accommodation either for medical or religious reasons. We’ll assess each of these,” CNBC’s Gary Kelly said.Squawk on the Street” “As long their validity is maintained, they will be approved.”

Kelly stated, “I don’t intend to fire anyone,” after Kelly released the quarterly results.

American’s CEO Doug Parker claimed that most of its employees were vaccinated. A small number will receive a religious exemption or medical exemption prior to the deadline. We’ll also continue working with those who aren’t.

United AirlinesA strict mandate was issued to every company in August. It came a month after President Joe Biden had issued new vaccine rules. United claims that 96% of their 67,000 employees are now vaccinated.

Scott Kirby, United’s chief executive officer, stated Wednesday that travelers need to be aware of the possibility that airlines scrambling for compliance with mandate requirements may compromise their operations. Kirby stated, “Caveat Empor,” during the quarterly conference call of United Airlines.

Officials at United and American stated that the federal vaccine mandate does not appear to be applicable to regional airlines, which fly up to half the flights of bigger carriers. American CEO Parker claimed Thursday that this applies equally to the wholly-owned subsidiaries of American Airlines.

A White House official stated that federal contractors and airlines won’t be required to show proof of vaccination or any other documentation. Instead, they will be included in federal contracts.

According to the official, while the federal government will work closely with contractors in order for them to comply, if they fail, then the contract can be cancelled by the government.