American Airlines canceled employee licenses on Wednesday when the House approved the COVID-19 aid package that provided payroll support for the industry.
In a memo to employees, CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said the warnings that 13,000 employees received last month about licenses were “thankfully canceled – you can tear them up!”
The airlines received a $ 15 billion increase and an extension to the Payroll Support Program, which was an important provision in last spring’s CARES Act, which expired on April 1.
Employers were preparing for another round of layoffs, especially after President biden
Joe BidenDNC strengthens its finance team Pentagon extends National Guard presence on Capitol Hill until May 23 Blinken to appear on the Foreign Affairs Committee MOREThe original proposal from did not include funds for airlines. House Democrats added it to the package last month.
Airlines have warned that tens of thousands of employees in general can be dismissed without an extension.
The package approved on Wednesday will extend the program until September 30 and give $ 14 billion to support airline workers and $ 1 billion to eligible contract workers.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, lawmakers on both sides have recognized the essential work that each of you does, the critical infrastructure that the American team provides to our country and the world, and the economic risks of a weakened American airline industry,” Parker and Isom wrote.
“We appreciate the support of our government leaders and their continued recognition of everything you do,” they added.
Parker and Isom added that another bright spot for the American Airlines team is the distribution of vaccines in workplaces, such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“If you see your local Congress representative on a flight, be sure to thank him for his work last year and for recognizing the noble work that you all do every day,” they wrote.