Some 1,200 Workers To Lose Jobs By September

Midwest Airlines said this week it will be the latest carrier to drastically slash its workforce, announcing plans to reduce employee ranks at Midwest Airlines and its Skyway subsidiary by about 1,200 jobs, or 40 percent of current staffing levels.

The majority of the jobs affected are related to the airline's previously announced decision to remove its 12-plane MD-80 fleet from service this fall, as well as other schedule adjustments to be announced.

"In order to successfully restructure, there is no way to avoid deep and painful reductions to our current workforce," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. "We will go about this task with compassion and dignity. Midwest has always been a place where employees take care of one another -- in times that are good and in times that are hard. Perhaps more than any other time in our history, we must hold true to this value."

The company was to begin notifying affected employees Monday. The reductions will take the form of furloughs or position eliminations, depending on job function. The reductions are spread throughout the airline's flight operations, inflight, operations, maintenance and general administrative functions. The effective date of the reductions will vary by job function, but most will take place no later than mid-September.

Midwest is also continuing talks this week with the Airline Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants, the labor organizations that represent its pilots and flight attendants, to reach agreements on concessions necessary to reduce the airline's cost structure.

FMI: www.midwestairlines.com