Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Airlines said today it will lay off about 430 workers, or about 12 percent of its work force of 3,524, because of the decline in business following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
to lay off 430
The job cuts equal about 12% of
the company's work forceBy Russ Lynch
rlynch@starbulletin.comThe layoffs take effect Sunday.
Last week, Hawaiian said it was cutting its systemwide flight schedule by about 20 percent.
"Furloughing employees is the last thing we want to do, but we've exhausted all other options," said Paul J. Casey, Hawaiian's vice chairman and chief executive officer. "Under the circumstances, we have no choice but to take this step to protect the company's financial position going forward."
Casey said the federal assistance to the airlines and Gov. n Cayetano's new waiver of landing fees will help defray losses, but not enough to avoid layoffs. He said eligible furloughed workers will get their full severance pay and continued health care benefits, as well as help in finding jobs.
Competitor Aloha Airlines earlier announced 250 layoffs, about 8 percent of its work force of 3,000, after cutting 37 of its 150 daily flights.
Nationally, the airline industry has cut more than 100,000 jobs since the attacks.
