American gives notice to more Texas workers

The nation's largest airline told the Texas Workforce Commission on Tuesday that soaring fuel costs and a weakening economy have forced it to reduce jobs.

Parent AMR Corp. said last week it expects to cut 8 percent of its work force, which would be about 6,800 jobs, when it reduces flights beginning in September. But the company hasn't released many specific numbers.

The potential layoff notices were sent to comply with a federal law requiring that employees get 60 days notice before major layoffs. In a letter to the commission, American vice president Kevin Cox said the cuts would occur around Sept. 5.

Of the jobs expected to be eliminated, 158 are at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, American's largest hub. Another 26 would be at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, plus 11 each at San Antonio and Houston's George Bush airports, and 3 in El Paso.

They include fleet service workers, mechanics, management and support positions.

American spokesman Tim Wagner said the letter to the commission was not a layoff notice and that the number of workers who leave the company could change depending on how many accept voluntary offers.

Last week, American sent notice that it could lay off up to 900 flight attendants starting Aug. 31, although voluntary departures could reduce the number.