Southwest Airlines announced that more than 100 employees’ jobs would be affected this summer after the airline discontinues its service at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
The announcement came in the form of a March 31 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, also known as a WARN notice. Here’s what we know about the incoming layoffs.
What Is the WARN Act?
Under Illinois law, employers must notify the state when they plan to lay off 75 or more full-time workers. The Act requires employers to provide at least 60 days advance notice of pending plant closures or mass layoffs.
The state issues monthly WARN reports, which include information about affected employers and their layoffs or plant closures.
When Is Southwest Ending Service at O’Hare?
In a March 13 press release, the airline announced plans to end its service at O’Hare effective June 4.
Why Is Southwest Ending Service at O’Hare?
In a statement to the media in March, Southwest said it was discontinuing O’Hare service as part of its “ongoing efforts to refine its network,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The announcement came amid the Federal Aviation Administration’s push to reduce flights this summer at O’Hare to reduce overscheduling and delays.
Will Southwest Continue to Fly out of Midway?
Yes; the airline said in the release that it would continue its “robust service” at Chicago Midway Airport.
“Southwest has a proud 41-year history at MDW, and we remain committed to investing in the City of Chicago,” the airline said. “Operating at Chicago O’Hare continues to be challenging, and we are confident we can serve Chicagoland from our long-standing base at Midway where we will continue to offer service to more than 80 destinations, including the 15 markets we serve from O’Hare.”
How Many Southwest Employees Are Being Laid Off?
The airline announced plans to lay off 107 employees starting June 4, according to the WARN notice.
Southwest wrote in the release that “All affected frontline employees will have the opportunity to bid for open positions across our network, including at MDW.”
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / USA TODAY
Add a Comment