Strategic Policy

Statement from A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio Regarding Payroll Support for Airline Employees

October 06, 2020

WASHINGTON, October 6, 2020 — A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio issued the following statement today:

We are disappointed that Congress and the Administration have been unable to reach an agreement that would save tens of thousands of highly skilled, quality jobs in the U.S. airline industry. We will continue to encourage all parties to get back to the table and conclude a deal. We have to hold out that hope.

Thousands of airline workers across the country have already lost their jobs – and more furloughs are expected in the coming weeks – because Congress did not extend the successful Payroll Support Program before it expired on September 30, despite strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and the Senate. More than 300 Members of Congress publicly stated their support for extending the Payroll Support Program, direct payroll assistance that kept airline workers on the job and out of the unemployment lines since March. The President has indicated his support for the industry because of its unique circumstances.

Time already ran out for U.S. airlines and many of our employees, yet there is a glimmer of hope that our leaders in Washington will act and save these jobs before it’s too late to turn back the clock. Some U.S. airlines may be able to reinstate employees if they receive direct payroll assistance from the federal government soon, but that becomes increasingly challenging with each passing day.

Extending the Payroll Support Program is a critical step for preserving jobs, rebuilding the travel industry and restoring the economic health of our country.