American to furlough 19,000 as clock runs out on airlines

Updated: 12:39 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2020 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of airline workers' jobs are at stake in Milwaukee if lawmakers don't agree and pass the HEROES bill. 

Several major airlines say they plan to cut a total of 36,000 jobs next month because of a decline in airline travel. 

This comes as the federal income support group comes to an end Thursday, Oct. 1. Local union officials say passing HEROES bill is crucial because it would provide airlines with an additional $25 billion in funding to help maintain their payroll. 

Officials say it's crucial that lawmakers come to a decision to save jobs. 

"People taking flights has been so drastically cut and the lack of a plan to get the Coronavirus under control both here in Wisconsin where we’re the third worst state in the nation as a whole, has meant the confidence in flying is very low and really we do need government assistance to help workers in these industries whether it’s small business or the airline industry. We really need this stimulus package to get figured out and figured out today," said Milwaukee Area Labor Council President Pam Fendt. 

CBS 58 talked with a spokesperson for Mitchell International Airport and he said travel will not be impacted by any potential layoffs. 

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Published: 7:54 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2020 

(AP) -- American Airlines says it will furlough 19,000 workers Thursday because negotiations over more federal help for airlines have failed to produce a deal.

U.S. passenger airlines and their labor unions are lobbying for another $25 billion in taxpayer money to pay workers for six more months, through next March.

But their request is tied up in stalled negotiations over a larger pandemic-relief measure.

Airline industry officials admit prospects look bleak in the face of a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over more pandemic relief.

Airlines are losing billions because of a sharp drop in travel during the pandemic.