(Indianapolis) ATA Announces Job Cuts (220 jobs)

[UpInArms]

http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2460852&nav=0Ra6SF6l

(Indianapolis) - ATA is announcing plans to cut 220 jobs, according to the airline's parent company, ATA Holdings Corp.

The jobs being eliminated are general and administrative positions and represent less than three percent of ATA's workforce. No pilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, customs service agents, ramp or reservations agents are being laid off.

Seniority apparently has little role in the cuts. News 8 spoke to one woman whose husband was losing his job after 24 years at ATA.

On Thursday morning, many employees were leaving visibly upset. Charlene Hess worked in the purchasing department for 11 years. She is now out of a job. "Of course we've all been at a stress level, I believe, with the whole industry being as it is, but you keep that thread of hope going," said Hess, fighting back tears. She said she didn't have any bad feelings toward ATA. "I wish them the best and hope that George can raise it right back up and maybe they'll give me a call back."

...more...

[saltpoint]

1. First, I wish ATA workers a turn of fortune --

-- in their favor. The fat cats who run the joint got a Bush tax cut or two already, and these folks get tossed. Shabby deal.

Next, I hope Indiana residents realize that they vote against their own interests when they vote Red State Red State every damned time. Come on, you guys.

Two weeks ago Bush led Kerry in Indiana by 14 points on electoral-vote.com. This afternoon the difference was only 7 points. Still plenty for Dubya to win Indiana, but it suggests that Bush's nationwide totals may be under strain.

Can anybody give us an update on the Kernan - Daniels race for governor, or Hogsett's chances against Carter for AG?