United Airlines yesterday shared that it notified some 14,000 of its staff members that they could be furloughed. This announcement comes as aviation unions renew requests for additional financial support from the government.
Another round of support required
United cautioned that the second round of payroll support ends at the start of April. Therefore, carriers could be forced to make significant cuts as the pandemic continues to rock the aviation industry. Reuters reports that the unions have asked Congress and President Joe Biden for another $15 billion in support to keep employees on the payroll through at least September 30th.
Global restrictions amid the health crisis continue to keep passengers on the ground. It is considerably hard for potential fliers to hit the air due to the extensive measures such as ongoing travel bans and lengthy quarantines. Moreover, the overall social climate has shifted demand over the last year.
United had to make tough calls when the first payroll support package expired in the fall. However, the Chicago-based carrier recalled 13,000 members of its staff from furlough when a $15 billion airline industry package was passed in December, which protected jobs through March.
Demand still low
Nonetheless, United told employees that despite the ongoing efforts to distribute vaccines, passenger demand has not changed much. Altogether, it is monitoring demand and pressing for continued support from the government.
Part of United’s memo said the following, as shared by Reuters:
“We are all working hard toward the day when we can bring back our furloughed co-workers permanently.”
Two union leaders that represent 75,000 flight attendants wrote to congressional leaders. They asked for swift action to extend the payroll support program with $15 billion to protect positions until September 30th or later. Association of Flight Attendants’ Sara Nelson and Association of Professional Flight Attendants’ Julie Hedrick added that there would be mass layoffs from April if there is no further assistance.
The challenges continue
Conditions continue to remain tough in the aviation industry. United mentioned that the vaccine rollout has not changed demand much, but it is still early days in the program.
After many additional members of the public receive the vaccine, there would be a shift in the impact of the pandemic across the board. However, the process will take time, and we may not see a notable positive outcome of the vaccine for many months. So, until then, airlines, employees, and unions will be continuing to keep their eye on the situation.
Simple Flying reached out to United for comment on its memo. We will update the article with any further announcements from the airline.
What are your thoughts about United Airlines’ furlough warnings to its employees? Do you feel that this move would be inevitable given the circumstances? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.
