Airlines are duty bound to not layoff or furlough employees until October 1, 2020. This is due to the agreement made in exchange for funds from the government to assist airlines during the coronavirus crisis that has hit the airlines hard.
However, United Airlines reportedly sent out a letter to its employees warning and preparing them to be ready for furloughs come October 1. The letter reportedly says that tens of thousands of United Airlines employees could be furloughed if the travel rates have not improved by then. The letter warns as much as 45 percent of their front line workers could be facing furlough.
This comes days after Air France warned its employees of the likely need to reduce their workforce by 6000-7000.