AP
UAL flight attendants avoid mandatory furloughs
Wednesday September 24, 4:40 pm ET

United Airlines: Volunteers will prevent forced flight attendants furloughs
CHICAGO (AP) -- Enough United Airlines flight attendants have volunteered for furloughs, making involuntary cuts unnecessary, the carrier said on Wednesday.

United aimed to shrink the cabin staff by 1,550, and all those spots were filled by volunteers who will keep benefits such as medical and free travel, according to a message from Alex Marren, United's senior vice president for onboard service.

The furloughs begin Nov. 1.

United is a unit of UAL Corp. and is the nation's second-largest airline. Like other carriers it has been shrinking the amount of flying it does in an effort to charge enough to cover fuel prices that have risen sharply since last year.
UAL shares closed down $1.45, or 12.3 percent, at $10.35.