By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby (NYSE) today defended a decision by COVID-19 to require vaccines for employees amid criticisms from Republican senators.

Safety was our goal. Kirby stated that it has saved many lives at an aviation hearing held by the Senate Commerce Committee. “We don’t compromise on safety.”

Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, criticized United’s vaccination mandate. He called it “disturbing” as well as “disregarding your rights and employees’ rights.”

Cruz pointed out that both American Airlines (NASDAQ;) and Southwest Airlines, (NYSE:), have stated they don’t plan to fire anyone over vaccine requirements.

Kirby stated that about 200 United employees were not in compliance with its mandate, and they were dismissed from the company’s 67,000 workers. Kirby also stated that approximately 6 pilots were terminated and 80 employees took unpaid leaves out of a total workforce of around 13,000.

A panel from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals met Monday to discuss a request for an injunction blocking the mandate. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an emergency request for an injunction blocking the mandate while the employees appeal a November ruling https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-judge-upholds-united-airlines-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-2021-11-08 by a federal judge in favor of United.

United Airlines was the original major airline to require vaccinations. Others followed suit. United employees were granted approximately 2,000 medical and religious exemptions. Kirby indicated that approximately 80% of people seeking religious exemptions received them.

A variety of topics were covered in the wide-ranging hearing on aviation.

Airlines stated that they were increasing pilot recruitment and finding it difficult to hire enough. Kirby claimed that United actually had close to 100 regional aircraft grounded because they didn’t have enough pilots ….. There will be thousands of pilots needed in the future.

The hearing heard from Southwest CEO Gary Kelly: “I believe the case against masks is strong — they don’t make much, if any, in the cabin environment — It’s very safe and very good quality as compared to any indoor setting.”

Roger Wicker (Republican Senator) asked when will passengers be allowed to remove their masks. The Biden administration increased transportation mask requirements until March 18th.

Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants – CWA said that lifting the requirements for masks was left to medical professionals. However, she added, “We absolutely look forward to day when we don’t have to wear the mask requirement.”