Will Airline Employees Get Paychecks in Christmas Miracle?
Joe Cortez December 23, 2020
As the phase four COVID-19 support bill stalls at the White House, airlines are still making plans to bring back employees in time for Christmas. American Airlines announced even without the bill formally approved, they plan on bringing employees back with paychecks on Dec. 24, 2020.
Furloughed airline employees are hopeful for a Christmas miracle, after the phase four COVID-19 relief bill appears to have stalled at the White House. On the trust funds are coming, airlines will begin the process of bringing employees back – even if temporarily – before the holiday shutdown.
American Commits to Bringing Back Furloughed Workers
While both chambers of Congress passed the latest Coronavirus relief bill after negotiations over the weekend of Dec. 19, 2020, the White House has not yet signed the legislation into law. While the Wall Street Journal reports president Donald Trump is pausing on the bill while outright vetoing the defense policy bill, he posted a speech to his Twitter account demanding Congress increase individual support payouts to as much as $2,000.
However, the president’s political delay is not stopping airlines from bringing their staff back. In comments to Reuters, American Airlines said they would recall their previously furloughed employees, even going so far to committing to paychecks by Dec. 24, 2020.
“While this is an unexpected development, we are moving forward with recall plans,” an American spokesperson told Reuters. “And furloughed team members will receive funds in their accounts on Christmas Eve as planned.”
United Airlines has not made a similar commitment to their employees, and even suggested that returning laid off employees could only be a temporary measure. It was a move that, considering the season, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA president Sara Nelson called “inappropriate.”
“Let’s be clear: the law doesn’t say ‘temporary’ hires,” Nelson said during an interview on CNBC. “It says you have to rehire everyone who is a permanent employee.”
Both Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines have not announced furloughs, but they could be coming for both. Southwest warned that a spat with their unions could lead to the first employment reduction in the Dallas-based airline’s history, while Delta is reportedly continuing to ask workers to consider voluntary paid time off.
My brother was furloughed from United last August after 35 years working as a mechanic. He got his recall notice for after New Year but doesn't know what his new position is and on what shift.
But what about those employees that were INVOLUNTARY SEpERATED. Are they goinmg to get a slice of that Christmas Miracle or is that reserved for only those at the Union Employee Table. My Wife worked for 20+ years and wants to keep on working doing her part for AA. Not sitting at home collectin Unemployment. Bring Back ALL Employees who didnt accept one of the Early Retirement offers that you offered. We all want to work.