CHICAGO: United Airlines said on Wednesday it is preparing to furlough 16,370 workers when federal aid expires on 1 October.
United’s cuts include 6,920 flight attendants, but the union representing them said 14,000 will not have a paycheck in October unless Congress acts to extend $25 billion in aid.
This is because many have opted for leaves that will provide healthcare but no money, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International president Sara Nelson said. “United’s furlough announcement does not tell the full story,” she said.
United’s furloughs will also affect around 2,850 pilots, 2,010 mechanics and 1,400 management and administrative positions, among others, though negotiations continue with pilots to reduce the final number.
Industry near standstill
Chicago-based United had over 90,000 employees before the pandemic brought the industry to a near standstill in March. It warned in July that 36,000 jobs were at risk of involuntary furloughs as demand remained weak.
US airlines are still collectively losing more than $5 billion a month as 30 per cent of aircraft remain parked. Passenger travel demand is down about 70 per cent and, on average, aircraft that are flying are half-full.
Some 7,400 United employees have opted to take early retirement or departure packages and the company is working through several other voluntary temporary leave programmes to further reduce the number of furloughs, United officials said, without providing specific numbers.