The airline industry is in crisis. A lot of people are asking what to do. We have a plan that starts with workers. A thread: 1/11
There is a lot of talk about paid family leave, universal basic income, expansion of unemployment insurance, and more. These are important sources of relief for many families and workers. The airline industry is facing an additional challenge: demand shocks. 2/11
Because it is unsafe to travel, most planes are grounded. Industry is predicting 85% reduction in demand (or more). The airline industry will not benefit from stimulus checks because there are no plane tickets to buy. Period. 3/11
We need to avoid mass layoffs and maintain fleets so Americans can lift off again when COVID-19 subsides. How? Provide direct payroll subsidies to workers in the passenger airline industry. 4/11
This should include flight attendants, pilots, airline ground workers, airline caterers, airport cleaners, greeters, security screeners, wheelchair attendants, and other airport service workers. Anyone who touches aviation. 5/11
Absent payroll subsidies mass layoffs and furloughs are inevitable. This will have long-term consequences because nearly all aviation-related workers have to pass background checks and security and safety training requirements. 6/11
If these lapse or people need to be rehired, it will slow aviation’s return to service. If airlines are slow to recover--other industries will be too. Travel to business conferences, Disneyland, cruises, and casinos is dependent on a functioning aviation industry. 7/11
We won’t let this to look like the bank bailout of 2008, nor can you compare the two. The airline industry didn’t cause the pandemic and money should come with significant conditions to help workers and keep planes flying, not enrich shareholders or pad executive bonuses. 8/11
Airlines must commit to maintaining payroll. It means no bonuses, no buybacks, & no breaking union contracts in bankruptcy. Companies should commit to pay a min $15 wage & board seats for workers.Grounded planes can transport supplies & patients to help stem the pandemic. 9/11
To ensure that these conditions are met, Congress shall set up a temporary oversight body, with oversight authorities, such as subpoena power. The panel must include representatives from airlines and unions representing aviation workers. 10/11
Temporary stimulus may make sense for workers in other industries, and UI should be strengthened to provide for workers who are laid off. But we can’t lay off the entire airline industry without jeopardizing our economy. 11/END
