Release #: 20.18
July 08, 2020

ALPA Statement on Potential Airline Furloughs

MCLEAN, Va.—Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement today in response to recent announcements of potential upcoming furloughs for aviation workers effective Oct. 1, 2020:

“The economic impact COVID-19 has had on the airline industry has been profound for the workers who keep our skies safe and our world connected. Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, thousands of pilots and crewmembers have received furlough notices and, absent congressional action, it is likely that there will be more to come.

“When this global health crisis first began to take hold in the United States, ALPA worked with others in labor to secure a major financial lifeline for our industry, but clearly more needs to be done. It is time for the federal government to finally step up and require that airlines implement and enforce Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and Federal Aviation Administration recommendations. Compliance with these guidelines for COVID-19 health monitoring, protection, exposure notification, and workplace disinfection are not only important for passenger and crew health, but also key to regaining the confidence of the flying public to increase bookings and power a strong economic recovery for our industry and our nation. Also, it is clear that Congress must act to extend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act which has helped to prevent widespread layoffs of aviation workers to date.

“ALPA continues to work with airline managements on creative ways to mitigate the effects that the recent economic downturn has on pilots. Through our extensive resources, ALPA is assisting pilots affected by these potential furloughs—and working to ensure that more passengers feel comfortable taking to the skies again.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 63,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org