July 2, 2020 — COVID-19 is still very much a threat to our health, jobs, industry and entire country. Every airline is reviewing current staffing levels and predictions for the fall, as payroll support and no involuntary furlough requirements end October 1. That’s why we are fighting to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program and our job protections through March 2021.
While we fight for an extension, the airlines are notifying employees of potential furloughs as required by federal and state laws. Aviation workers, including Delta Pilots have begun receiving "WARN notices" sent to employees who could be subject to furlough. These notices are a "warning" of a potential furlough, they are not notices that actually furlough employees. We expect more WARN notices to be received by aviation workers across the industry over the next month.
A WARN Notice is a legal notice 60 days (minimum) in advance of mass layoffs. WARN notices are provided to all workers that may be furloughed. Most AFA contracts require airlines to offer voluntary leaves, early outs, job shares, or voluntary furloughs before involuntary furloughs. These options will lower the number of involuntary furloughs. We are also encouraging airlines to put in place other voluntary options for people such as early outs and early retirement options. Bottom line, WARN notices do not determine actual involuntary furloughs - but we should take these notices seriously and redouble efforts to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program.
Your MECs and Locals will be communicating more specifically in the coming weeks as management at each airline announces planning for the fall. The most important action you can take for our jobs is to send letters and make calls. Stay informed, engaged and active. Together we can protect our jobs and our careers for the future too.
