Pilots at UPS face uncertain future

Last Sunday, UPS furloughed pilots for the first time in the airline’s history. This comes despite the cost cutting measures put in place by the cargo carrier last year and the improving economic situation.

54 pilots were furloughed last week but the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) claims that more face the same bad news. The association that is responsible for representing 2800 UPS pilots, said that a total of 300 layoffs were expected.

The airline said the measures were necessary due to the current number of crew being surplus to the requirements of operations. The American based cargo carrier says that they are flying 48 fewer aircraft at present than they were in 2003.

The IPA said, in a pre-prepared statement, that the move was “truly unfortunate” as their pilots had accounted for $117 million dollars in guaranteed savings to the airline through cost cutting measures accepted during 2009. These measures included pay freezes, voluntary leaves of absence, early retirement and reductions in benefits.

The IPA also questioned the timing of the furloughs when the economy seems to be beginning a steady recovery.

Source: The Street