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American Airlines layoffs to have major impact on Bay Area service

SAN FRANCISCO —

American Airlines, the nation’s third largest airline, announced massive layoffs Wednesday as it tries to emerge from bankruptcy. 13,000 workers could lose their jobs.

American still flies out of San Francisco International Airport, but it reduced service out of San Jose which was once a hub and it ended service in Oakland four years ago.

Passengers arriving from Dallas at SFO told KTVU they weren’t happy to hear about the layoffs.

Traveler Beverly Bedsole says she hates it.

“I hate it for everyone” said Bedsole. “It’ll be inconvenient for us, but they’re a business and they’re trying to make it work.”

American Airlines has lost more than $11 billion since 2001. The company plans to shed thousands of union workers, including maintenance workers, pilots and flight attendants.

American also wants to ground older planes and replace them with newer, more fuel efficient models.

The changes have some union workers wary.

“I’m not taking anything for granted,” said Transport Workers International Union of James Little. “What looks good on paper in reality may not be there.”

One of the biggest sticking points for employees is the potential loss of their pensions.

“We have an average age of 51. We have 5,000 of retirement age,” said Laura Glading of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. “What the companies proposal is in a sense is forcing people to work well into their 70s, never letting these people go. It’s really just an outrage.”

David Wilhelm, who retired from American Airlines, is concerned about his future.

“If they cut it the way they think, I’ll have to go back to work,” said Wilhelm. “I’m 67 and i don’t really want to go.”

If the unions don’t agree to the cuts, American could ask a bankruptcy judge to impose them.

Traveler Billie Bedsole is a Platinum Club passenger. He said it’s a fall from grace for a once proud airline.

“It’s sad. It’s just like having a layoff at your own company,” said Bedsole. “You hate to see people go then you make adjustments and move forward. So I guess that’s what we’ll do. We’ll find a new way to travel.”

Employees at San Francisco International Airport said they couldn’t talk on camera, but one worker said they hope to find out more about their future on Thursday.

One Response to American Airlines layoffs to have major impact on Bay Area service

  1. Denny says:
    February 11, 2012 at 7:06 pm

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