United Parcel Service announced plans Monday to layoff at least 300 pilots as the very gradual pace of the US economic recovery necessitates further cost-cutting.
The recession weakened UPS's air package volume at the same time as the company retired older aircraft that required three pilots instead of the two needed now across its 267-jet fleet, said spokesman Norman Black.
"Even though the economy has begun to turn around, UPS anticipates a very gradual recovery and a continued need for belt-tightening," said UPS Airlines President Bob Lekites.
Under the company's contract with its pilots' union, the Independent Pilots Association, the layoffs are temporary but indefinite and implemented according to seniority.
Should the company start to add flights in response to an increase in demand, the pilots will be brought back, again according to seniority.
The layoffs will be implemented in phases, with the first 170 in May.
