On October first, both United and American Airlines furloughed thousands of employees. United said goodbye to roughly 13,000 employees, and the numbers at American were closer to 19,000. That means that 32,000 Americans are entering unemployment, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our society and our economy. The government is still negotiating a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package, but the slow movement has spelled the demise of more than 30,000 careers.
When you look at flight volume, the desperation makes sense. Domestic passenger volume is down 66% from this time last year. International passenger volume is even worse at a mere 16% of what it was in years prior. Most airlines are offering less than half the flights they usually do. That resulted in a workforce too large to support, despite more than $25 billion in governmental support for airlines since the pandemic crisis began.
But it didn’t have to be that way.
Both Southwest Airlines and Delta are experiencing a similar situation that United and American, but through voluntary separation packages and the employment of emergency time off, both Southwest and Delta have been able to save their workers from involuntary furloughs.
This is a challenging time for our nation and our world. Still, through strategic and empathetic management, both Southwest and Delta have proven that it is possible to preserve the livelihoods of the people who need it most. As employment attorneys, the team at Grupo Via Dorada is impressed with Southwest and Delta’s dedication to putting their workforce first.
If you have suffered the loss of a career or work opportunity during the pandemic, reach out to us to discuss the details of your situation. There may be recourse options that you have not considered. We are staying on top of all COVID-19 related employment laws and will be able to guide you effectively. We can help with discrimination cases, wrongful termination, and whistleblower claims. Don’t suffer alone. Stand up for your rights with Grupo Via Dorada by your side.