United, pilots reach tentative furlough deal

The agreement would encourage volunteers to quit flying, reducing the number of forced job losses.

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A United Airlines passenger pushes a luggage cart past a closed check-in kiosk in San Francisco on Wednesday.

United Airlines and its pilots union have reached a tentative agreement to reduce the number of forced job losses.

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United Airlines and the union representing its pilots have reached a tentative agreement governing furloughs, leaves of absence and early retirements, both sides said Friday.

The agreement is designed to reduce the number of forced job losses, said Capt. Todd Insler, chairman of the United bargaining unit at the Air Line Pilots Association International.

The Chicago-based airline said Wednesday that up to 36,000 employees may be furloughed, including up to 2,250 pilots.

Insler said the bargaining unit’s board will consider the agreement next week. Spokesmen for the union and United said they would not discuss details until it is approved.

“These programs are designed to find as many volunteers as possible interested in stepping back from active flying,” Insler said in a letter to fellow pilots Thursday night.

The pilots getting the furlough notices represent about 17% of the union’s membership at United.

“Unfortunately, this may not be the full extent of the furloughs, and we must be prepared for more based on the company’s plan to be 30% smaller next summer,” Insler wrote. “ALPA is doing everything we can do to support our fellow pilots, and we look forward to final agreements on these voluntary programs which will mitigate pilot furloughs.”

With most flights grounded and travelers homebound and often fearful of taking a plane because of the coronavirus, United laid out plans to downsize its operations. The 36,000 employees getting 60-day notices of potential furloughs represent 45% of its workforce.

It’s possible that not all of the employees will lose their jobs. United said it is discussing with other unions possible agreements for voluntary departures.

In calling United’s announcement a “gut punch,” Sara Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, nevertheless added United’s plans “are also the most honest assessment we’ve seen on the state of the industry.”

Aviation unions are calling on Congress to extend aid for the airline industry into early 2021. Relief under the CARES Act bars airlines from furloughing workers through Sept. 30. United has said its cuts will start Oct. 1.

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