A U.S. federal appeals court allowed a class-action lawsuit against United Airlines to proceed. The court rejected the airline's attempt to dismiss the case. The litigation targets United's 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The lawsuit focuses on United's handling of religious and medical exemptions. United initially placed exempted employees on indefinite unpaid leave. Plaintiffs allege the policy forced a choice between employment and personal beliefs or medical needs.
This legal challenge creates ongoing financial and legal risks for the airline. These risks stem from United's pandemic-era policies.