TULSA, Okla. — American Airlines announced plans to furlough or layoff around 19,000 employees in October due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE: American Airlines to layoff or furlough 19,000 employees in October
In July 2020, the airline sent letters to roughly 25,000 employees warning them of possible layoffs and furloughs. The letters from the airline specifically said they were taking this step because of “overages we may start to see Oct. 1 when our Payroll Support Program funding expires.”
There are 800 anticipated furloughs for American employees working in the "maintenance and related" team systemwide, according to a company spokesperson. This number could include workers in the tech ops division at its Tulsa maintenance base, which employs more than 5,000 technicians. However, the impact of American's planned furloughs or layoffs to Tulsa is unknown at this time.
READ MORE: American Airlines provides options tied to possible layoffs
American Airlines is an extremely valuable employer. From talking to company officials, we were certainly saddened to hear the news about upcoming layoffs and furloughs, however, we are optimistic that the number in Tulsa will be minimal.
City leaders are responding to American Airlines announcement.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said he is confident in the partnership American and the city have forged.
American Airlines has always been and will continue to be a major partner for Tulsa, the region and the state of Oklahoma. Over the course of nearly 75 years, we forged a steadfast partnership that has allowed American to maintain a substantial and impactful presence in the city. We have every confidence that this partnership is what will carry us through the impacts of COVID-19, and look forward to continuing to work with American as they plan investments in their Tulsa base.
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