Head Of Tulsa Airline Workers Union Wants End Of Mask Mandate

Some airline workers are tired of the mask mandate on planes. The workers said travelers are tired of it too. The president of Tulsa's transport workers union the mask mandate is creating more problems than benefits now, although some people said they are still worried about catching COVID in airports and planes.

Evan Tobin got a COVID test at the Tulsa International Airport about a week ago. He was traveling to Israel for work. “They gave me a piece of paper with my results in 20 minutes," said Tobin.

Tobin’s test came back negative, and he said another test was negative when he got to Israel – but shortly after, he got symptoms and then tested positive for COVID.

“I have not seen another person in between this," said Tobin.

He thinks the mask mandate on airplanes should stick around a little longer, but he also knows it's caused some issues. "It's hard on the flight attendants and I understand their position," Tobin said.

“I see our own fellow workers that have to police this, and they’re worn out from it," said Dale Danker. Dale Danker is the president of the local transport workers union for American Airlines that represents about 4,000 people.

He said most of the workers are tired of the mask mandate and flight attendants have had to deal with a lot of angry people on flights. “We would like to go back to the way things were," said Danker.

Danker said the airlines have already been hit hard by COVID. Job loss, rising fuel costs and continuing the mask mandate makes things worse for employees said Danker.

He said airplanes also have great air circulation and he thinks people should be able to choose what to do. “I’m hopeful science and common sense will win the day," said Danker.

The federal mask mandate on planes, buses and trains was extended to April 18. Oklahoma joined 20 states on Tuesday in suing the Biden administration over making people wear masks on planes.