Quote:
Originally Posted by Beckles
I'm honestly surprised that they got that many takers, but it's great news. Between that and normal retirements and attrition it looks like WN is doing pretty well in terms of avoiding involuntary layoffs, and they could still resort to unpaid leave or other voluntary measures if they needed to (which other airlines have long ago gone to).
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During today's analyst/media call (I apologize for the lack of notes today) Gary Kelly said that they were largely satisfied with the results of Freedom '09 and that if additional reductions are needed, "the next step would not be a broad furlough." Note that this is a distinct change in attitude from just
three months ago when he said nothing was off the table.
As Freedom '09 volunteers needed their manager's approval to participate, I asked whether anyone was turned down to determine whether there had been the possibility of even greater cost and headcount reductions or if indispensable Employees were looking for the exit. I was told no volunteers were denied.