Source: ATW Daily News Author: 06/25/2008
Subject Concerned: Aircrew Airlines Human Resource
United Airlines said it will furlough 950 pilots, about 14% of its flight deck workforce, blaming "high oil prices and a softening US economy."
In a message to workers, UA management explained that its previously announced plan to cut 100 aircraft from its mainline fleet by the end of 2009 led to the decision to eliminate 950 pilot positions, which are in addition to 1,400-1,600 salaried and management positions that it also has said it will cut.
"This process is one of the difficult but necessary steps we need to take to size our business appropriately to reflect the current market reality," UA said.
It said discussions are ongoing with the Air Line Pilots Assn. on "ways to reduce the number of involuntary furloughs."
It said the first furlough notices will go out in mid-July to 100 pilots who will stop flying in September.