Comair says stymied labor talks may lead to layoff of hundreds

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2006 | by Marilyn Adams

Stalled labor talks could force regional airline Comair, which flies small jets for Delta Air Lines, to lay off hundreds of workers, the company said. The warning came as Comair submitted a bid to Delta aimed at retaining the right to fly a big chunk of its current routes. But airlines spokeswoman Tressie Long said Monday that Comair may well be underbid by competitors because of "little progress" in concession talks with Comair's pilots.

Delta is expected to announce a decision next month. Delta, in a bid to cut its costs while in Chapter 11, requested outside bids for much of its regional jet flying. Though Delta owns Comair, it, too, was required to bid. Comair has pushed unions for concessions that would make its bid more competitive. The bid was due Monday. Comair,...