A federal judge in Texas denied Southwest AirlinesRequest by pilots union to temporarily block vaccine mandates for employees. It is an obligation under the new government rules.

Southwest Airlines in Dallas, Texas must ensure that its staff are fully immunized against Covid-19 no later than Dec. 8, or they will be denied a religious and medical exemption. These requirements were set by federal contractor rules published last month by the Biden administration.

Southwest Airlines and major carriers like Delta United AmericanFly federal employees and U.S. Mail, as well as provide services for the government.

Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (which represents approximately 9,000 pilots) sought temporary restraining orders against the mandate. Union members argued that Covid-related policy policies and the mandate needed to be discussed with them.

Southwest employees will also be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This will improve safety and efficiency, as well as the overall quality of Southwest’s operation. [collective bargaining agreement’s]U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn stated in Tuesday’s ruling that the pilots should have safe and fair working conditions.

According to the labor union, it was disappointed by the decision and is currently evaluating next steps.

The dispute about vaccine mandates for airlines wasn’t unique. United Airlines has filed suit in U.S. District Court, Fort Worth by six employees who claim they were not allowed to receive exemptions from the mandate. United was temporarily stopped by the judge from putting employees with exemptions on non-paid leave.