United Airlines mulls cutting 2,000 jobs
by The Associated Press
Baggage handlers and customer service agents at 28 U.S. airports could be affected
CHICAGO—United Airlines, Inc. is considering cutting up to 2,000 jobs at 28 airports around the United States and hiring a contractor to do the work.
The airline needs to make sure its costs are competitive, and so it is considering outsourcing jobs of some bag handlers and customer-service agents, United spokesman Luke Punzenberger said.
Employees were notified of the potential cuts Jan. 12, Punzenberger said. He said United was discussing the matter with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents the affected workers.
The move follows United’s decision last year to outsource more than 600 jobs at 12 airports around the country. Most were at airports served by smaller United Express regional flights.
United Continental Holdings Inc. earned US$1.12 billion in the first nine months of 2014, eclipsing the US$571 million it made in all of 2013.
The airports at which United is considering outsourcing jobs of employees include:
Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta; Billings, Mont.; Boise, Idaho; Fort Myers, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; Hartford, Conn.; Indianapolis; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City; McAllen, Texas; Miami; Nashville; Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City; Omaha, Neb.; Ontario, Calif.; Providence, R.I.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Reno, Nev.; Richmond, Va.; San Antonio, Texas; Sacramento, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; Spokane, Wash.; St. Louis; Tulsa, Okla.; and West Palm Beach, Fla.
