Nobody is picking on the airlines by the way. Every government contractor is facing the same request. My wife works for a major health insurer who has government contracts. So they too were told that their employees must be vaccinated. I mention this only because it’s so easy to forget that it’s not an airline thing.

This thread has nothing to do with "picking" on anyone, or anything. United Airlines employees sued their employer and lost the judgement in federal court.

United established the requirement with employees; be vaccinated or take leave. Employees sued, citing an "impossible situation" of being required to take the vaccination, or take leave.

A federal judge sided with United.

As you quoted me and referenced "picking on," you'll note I said nothing about anyone picking on anyone. This is very simple. Employees sued United, and lost.

United was first among other operators applying this mandate, which does allow exemption from vaccination, but which stipulates those with exceptions take leave. A federal court has stipulated that United may offer as an alternative to vaccination, unpaid leave.

United has stated that other options will be explored, that do not involve those with exemptions, interfacing with the public. Regardless, the federal court has ruled that United may place employees on unpaid leave, who elect not to be vaccinated.

Lawsuits seeking vaccination exception are not making much headway. Those crew that elect no vaccination may have their exception, but it comes at the cost of unpaid leave "until the pandemic is over." A date for the end of the pandemic is not established, and may not be for some time, if ever. Those who choose not to follow the mandate have little recourse but to crumble up their career and toss it in the corner.

Name calling and belittling by some in this thread, does not alter that fact.

Try asking the guy who mandated it.

You’re almost there, now just answer your own question. Why DO we have the mask mandates?
Just because there is a rule, doesn’t mean there is a good reason. It’s called “we’re the government and we’re doing something!”

Kind of like on Nancy Pelosi’s side of the Capitol you must wear a mask or be arrested by the Capitol Police. If you are on the Chuck Schumer’s side of the Capitol you do not have to wear a mask. Those same Capitol Police will not arrest you. There are two rules. Not a good reason they are different. At least not medically.