Union official says 116 at KC base take retirement package (+324 layoffs)

[UpInArms]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/national/10108710.htm?1c

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A union official said 116 employees at American Airlines' Kansas City maintenance base have agreed to take an early retirement incentive package that provides 13 weeks of pay.

Gordon Clark, president of Transport Workers Union Local 530, said the early retirements will leave about 224 mechanics and other employees facing involuntary layoffs next month. Earlier reports indicated 400 union members would be let go, but Clark said the total was reduced to 340. He said about 100 salaried employees will also be furloughed.

The base has about 1,600 hourly workers and 250 salaried employees.

Clark said he got his information from the airline, but Sonja Whitemon, an American spokeswoman, said she could not confirm any of the layoff figures.

<snip>

American announced last month that it planned to lay off 1,100 mechanics and pilots systemwide, and it will cut its fleet by the equivalent of 15 narrow-body aircraft next year.

...more...

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

1. My brother in law is one of those 1,100 mechanics and pilots

He's a pilot, and he voted for Bush**. Twice.
And I can't feel any sympathy for him. I feel sorry for my sister and my nephew and niece, but she's smart and knows how to live tight.
But I can't feel any sympathy for him.

[Justice]

2. Get him a W 04 bumpersticker to help him out

cuz that is about all he deserves.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

3. He probably already has one.

My brother, who was a die-hard Republican supporter, voted for Kerry this year because he KNOWS that when they joke about "Four More Wars" in editorial cartoons, it's not a joke. He believes in PNAC (he doesn't support it, but he acknowledges that PNAC is their "plan")
But my BIL doesn't get it. At all.
And I certainly hope I don't let my cynisism slip during Thanksgiving or Christmas. 'Cause I think my sis would kill me.

[llmart]

4. As long as it happens in a red state.....

I could care less.