United Airlines announces lay off of 414 mechanics

On Wednesday, United Airlines released a statement indicating that it would be laying off 414 of its San Francisco-based mechanics.

The new layoffs are part of the 7,000 job cuts that the Chicago-based airline announced earlier this year, as it continues to cut back on flights and eliminate the Boeing 737s from its fleet.

A spokeswoman for United, Megan McCarthy, explained that the layoff notices were sent to the mechanics on September 29, for layoffs effective December 7.

The Teamsters Local 856, located in San Bruno, California, which represents the mechanics who are being laid off have said they are outraged that the mechanics are being replaced by overseas outsourcing of their work. A spokesman for the Teamsters, Paul Molenberg, said that in addition to the loss of jobs, the aircraft maintenance will done by less-qualified workers.

All employee groups at United are seeing reductions in workforce. Involuntary layoffs among flight attendants were avoided, as there were sufficient numbers of volunteers for furloughs, reducing the number of cabin staff by 1,550. Efforts to reduce the number of pilots by 950 will continue into 2009, according to McCarthy, and as many as 1,600 management positions will be cut as well.

The number of job cuts in the baggage handler and customer service employees groups are yet to be announced.