Southwest Warns Workers of First Layoffs in Company History

  • Carrier sends notices, says union wouldn’t discuss givebacks
  • Extension of federal payroll support would prevent job cuts
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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Southwest Airlines Co. issued notices for what could be the first involuntary furloughs in its 49-year history, saying a union declined to discuss concessions aimed at cutting payroll costs.

Forty-two workers who manage parts inventory and are represented by the Teamsters union received federally required notices that they could be laid off as of Jan. 11, the Dallas-based airline said Friday. The full work group, which Southwest said voted not to engage in talks, includes 322 employees. The carrier remains in negotiations with other unions.