WASHINGTON/CHICAGO — Chief executives of major U.S. airlines were reaching out to key members of Congress on Saturday in a last-ditch uphill effort to try to win cash grants to weather the coronavirus crisis, warning that the consequences if they did not receive help could be dire, two people briefed on the calls said. Senate leaders are hoping to reach an agreement on a bipartisan stimulus and rescue package to battle the economic effects of the health crisis by the end of Saturday. Unions representing workers in different parts of the aviation industry were also making final pleas, with the head of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers asking Congress in a letter on Saturday to "backstop" the airlines with direct aid for paychecks. The CEOs of 10 U.S. passenger and cargo carriers said that without direct cash assistance, "draconian measures" such as furloughs may be necessary. Unions insist that support be conditioned on the airlines not breaking collective bargaining agreements.

Source: International New York Times March 21, 2020 19:07 UTC