As Airline Workers Face Steep Job Losses, Unions Call on Congress to Extend $25 Billion Rescue Package
As tens of thousands of workers in the airline industry stare down job losses starting Oct. 1, union leaders are pushing Congress to extend a multibillion-dollar federal aid program as part of the next coronavirus relief package, The Washington Post reported. A coalition of 13 labor groups said that an extension of a $25 billion payroll support program through March would keep workers in an industry that has been pummeled off the unemployment lines and ensure they can quickly return to their jobs once more people are ready to fly. Failing to act, the unions said, could lead to mass layoffs, “causing potentially catastrophic consequences to this industry and our broader economy.” Airline leaders were vocal in their push for the payroll program and a further $25 billion in loans in the spring when air travel almost collapsed. Now, with their companies no longer fighting for survival, they say they support the idea of an extension but emphasize that it’s the unions taking the lead in the campaign. This week, more than 200 members of the House signed a letter backing the proposal, but the prospects for finalizing a deal remain unclear. Democrats passed a new relief bill in May, when it looked like demand for air travel might recover quickly, and did not include more help for airlines. A bill unveiled by Republican leaders in the Senate this week proposes more help for airports but not airlines.
