American Airlines canceled workers on Wednesday when the House approved the COVID-19 relief package that provided payroll support for the industry.
In a note to employees, CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said warnings from 13,000 employees they received last month warning about furloughs are “happily canceled: you can break them!”
The airlines got a $ 15 billion boost and an extension of the Payroll Support Program, which was a key provision in last spring’s CARES Act that was due to expire on April 1st.
Employers were preparing for another round of layoffs, especially afterwards President Biden
Joe BidenDNC strengthens his financial team. The Pentagon extends the presence of the National Guard at the Capitol until May 23 Blinken to appear before the Committee on Foreign Affairs MOREThe original proposal did not include funding for airlines. House Democrats added it to the package last month.
Airlines warned that tens of thousands of employees in general could arrive without an extension.
The package approved Wednesday will extend the program through Sept. 30 and will provide $ 14 billion to support airline workers and $ 1 billion for eligible contractor workers.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, lawmakers on both sides have recognized the essential work that each of you is doing, the critical infrastructure that the American team provides to our country and the world, and the economic risks of a weakened U.S. airline industry, “Parker said. Isom wrote.
“We appreciate the support of our government leaders and the continued recognition of everything you do,” they added.
Parker and Isom added that another bright spot for the American Airlines team is the distribution of vaccines in the workplace, such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“If you see your local Congress representative on a flight, be sure to thank him for his work over the past year and the recognition of the noble work you do every day,” they wrote.