American Airlines is asking workers to take unpaid leave and early retirement

American Airlines is offering most of its union workers unpaid, voluntary leave for up to a year as well as early retirements as it pushes to reduce payroll costs while COVID-19 saps travel. American’s pilots already came to a deal Sunday night that would offer them voluntary leave with partial pay. The airline is now extending an unpaid option to flight attendants, mechanics and other groups. It’s not offering unpaid leave to management or support staff. Reservations agents are also not being offered unpaid leave. The voluntary retirement option is for employees who’ve been with American Airlines for 15 years or more. Unpaid leave would allow employees to continue receiving medical and other health benefits, as long as they pay for them at the same rate other employees pay. <br/>