United pilots ratify deal that will prevent 2,800 from being furloughed

United pilots Monday approved a deal that will allow 2,800 of them to avoid being furloughed should Congress fail to extend a payroll support program created as part of the Cares Act. The deal will enable United to reduce the number of employees it will furlough come Thursday without Congress’ help to less than 12,000, according to the airline. United, which employs 79,000 people, received $5b in the first coronavirus relief package, which President Trump signed into law in March. “Our members understood that in order to protect pilot jobs, we needed to approve this agreement,” said Capt. Todd Insler, chairman of the United Air Line Pilots Association master executive council. “I am proud of our pilots for showing the unity and resolve needed in the face of uncertainty.” Under the agreement, existing hours will be spread across the pilot group, which means most pilots will temporarily work fewer days and make less money. But the deal ensures that all 13,000 United pilots will keep their jobs, Insler said. Without the deal, roughly 2,800 United pilots would have been furloughed this year and an additional 1,100 risked being furloughed in 2021. The announcement comes as airline executives and workers continue to pressure Congress to reach a deal to extend payroll support for front line workers through the end of March. If no agreement is reached more, than 33,000 airline employees will be furloughed Thursday.<br/>