Some employees at airlines receiving government assistance aren’t happy about what the carriers are doing, payroll-wise. Southwest is getting into the cargo game. And Spirit suspended service to three cities.
Those are some of the travel headlines that piqued my interest today.
Airlines Getting Bailout Money – But Still Reducing Employee Pay?
Despite receiving government aid contingent upon not reducing workforces until mid-fall, airlines are reducing worker pay.
Some Delta employees certainly did not have nice things to say. Yikes.
Though if airlines aren’t actually laying off people, is that a viable defense?
Southwest to Start Cargo Flights(?!)
The Airline of Love is one of US several airlines starting, resuming, or increasing their cargo flights, now that many passenger operations are grounded.
Spirit Cuts Flights to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Following the CDC’s travel advisory regarding New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Spirit Airline decided to temporarily suspend flights to/from those states. Travel Weekly notes the changes are in effect through at least May 4.
A Photographic Tour of State Department March Travel Advisory Locations
Interview with United Employee Who Tested Positive for COVID-19
Matthew at Live and Let’s Fly posted this interesting read about a United Airlines employee who has coronavirus. The post and ensuing comments offer an intriguing look into United’s culture.
— Chris
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3 Comments
The government support is contingent upon keeping employees on the payroll so they don’t overload the already increased loads on unemployment insurance programs. However there is a floor to the salaries that retained employees are eligible for if their actual work is not required. This would be the case for most flight attendants, pilots and front line airport staff. However, other essential workers like those at overloaded res call centres, maintenance would still get their normal salary. These payments for laid off workers are supposed to be sustainable not fully replacing full wages. And don’t forget companies must continue to cover benefits like medical insurance (which most workers don’t realize can be a good percentage of their salary). Businesses need income to pay the bills and are quickly eating through cash reserves (our prepaid tickets) which will get worse if airlines must refund money vs vouchers.
The delta club in Orlando was closed for the last two days… at Gate 71…
@JEFF THOMAS: Interesting. The Delta website still lists that location as open. Thanks for the DP!