Failing to convince unions to accept pay cuts, Southwest Airlines is warning of major layoffs in 2021.
It would mark a ‘sad milestone’ in the airline’s history as the first time it has been forced to lay workers off.
It sent WARN notices to nearly 7,000 employees, including more than 1,500 flight attendants and 1,200 pilots.
Another 1,176 customer service agents also received the notice.
The layoffs will take place in mid-March or early April unless it agrees a pay cut compromise deal with unions.
"Our absolute goal is to preserve every job at Southwest Airlines; however, due to a lack of meaningful progress in negotiations, we had to proceed with issuing notifications to additional employees," said Russell McCrady, Vice President of Labor Relations.
"We are willing to continue negotiations quickly to preserve jobs."
Several unions have criticized the airline for being inflexible over pay cut negotiations.
"Sending WARN Act notices either as a scare tactic or as an actual intent to furlough when other options available were not explored is about as sad as it gets," said Lyn Montgomery, President of Southwest’s flight attendants’ union.
Southwest is asking for average pay cuts of about 10% to guarantee no furloughs through next year.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
