American Airlines might cut jobs at RDU

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines has sent notices to hundreds of employees at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and four other U.S. airports that they could lose their jobs in November as the airline continues to cut flights.

American plans to cut 27 jobs at RDU – 12 airport agents, 10 fleet service clerks and five plant maintenance mechanics – spokeswoman Tami McLallen said.

Mark Burdette, American's vice president of employee relations, has said the airline would need fewer workers as the operating schedule is cut due to high oil prices and the softening economy.

Workers also will be cut Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where 353 people received the notices, and at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Columbus, Ohio.

McLallen said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the letters were sent to gate and ticket agents, ramp workers, automotive mechanics and airport-based management and support staff.