Local airline workers brace for job cuts after federal funding ends

Massive airline layoffs are expected to begin across the country Thursday after Congress failed to reach a deal on a new COVID-19 relief bill.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security act, also known as the CARES act, gave airlines $25 billion earlier this year to hold off on cuts through the end of September.

But without another stimulus package from Congress, tens of thousands of airline employees will lose their jobs.

It is not yet known how many cuts Seattle-based Alaska airlines could make. In August, the airline said they could potentially furlough 4,200 workers.

Some airline workers gathered outside Senator Maria Cantwell’s office this week to rally for an airline relief package.

One union member said there will be a ripple effect if thousands are left without jobs.

“If we’re out in the street, this will have a ripple effect for manufacturing, hospitality, transportation and other sectors, so this is much bigger than us,” said Jeff Peterson with the Association of Flight Attendants, Alaska Airlines.

Commercial aviation helps support another 10.4 million US workers – or one out of every 14 jobs.

Airlines do have rare bipartisan backing for a new round of federal assistance, but a COVID-19 relief package remains stalled.

Cox Media Group