'Existential crisis': US airline workers fear layoffs amid coronavirus pandemic

The collapse in travel that has followed is jeopardising the jobs of 750,000 people directly employed by US airlines A decade of bumper profits hasn’t cushioned the US airline industry from the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts are predicting many face bankruptcy in the coming months unless the govt steps in. Right now, it’s their workers who are feeling the full force of the industry’s crisis – and they are terrified. Major US airlines experienced their 10th consecutive year of profits in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak hit the US. Labour unions are calling for any bailout to consist of a worker relief program based on payroll continuance so workers can remain in their job and rely on their regular wages, with strings attached to ensure airline companies don’t misuse bailout funds to enrich shareholders and executives. <br/>