American Airlines is “happily” canceling more than 10,000 licenses as Congress’ new COVID-19 relief bill heads to President Biden’s desk.
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom told employees on Wednesday that after Congress passed the new $ 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that includes more funding for the Payroll support, it will cancel 13,000 licenses.
“For our 13,000 colleagues who received Notices of Worker Readjustment and Retraining (WARN) last month, they were happily canceled – you can tear them up!” said the company.
American Airlines had previously informed 13,000 employees that they would be dismissed without further federal assistance, according to CNN. Biden is planning to sign the new aid package, the American Rescue Plan, on Friday. It includes $ 15 billion for the airline industry, notes the NPR.
When Biden signs the aid package, American Airlines said it will “extend” its commitment that all members of the US team “will continue to receive payments and benefits until” September 30. The company also said to employees, “If you speak to your local congressional 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.”
White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain quickly celebrated news of the cancellation of American Airlines licenses on Wednesday, tweeting in response, “Help is here.” Overall, writes CNN, the Congressional relief bill “should save 27,000 airline workers from leave”.
NEW: American Airlines is telling 13,000 workers who received April 1 clearance notices “you can tear them up!” The House’s approval of the $ 1.9 trillion stimulus account expands the airlines’ Payroll Support Program once again. pic.twitter.com/a23SkVfhwd
– Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) March 10, 2021
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