Another Incentive Package Sought To Keep American Airlines Jobs In Tulsa

With lost jobs on the horizon at American Airlines, there's talk of a possible incentive package for the company.

Tuesday, February 21st 2012, 7:09 pm

By: Emory Bryan

Another Incentive Package Sought To Keep American Airlines Jobs In Tulsa

With lost jobs on the horizon at American Airlines, there's talk of a possible incentive package for the company.

It wouldn't be the first time that taxpayers were asked to do something to keep American's jobs in Tulsa.

The latest one was the Vision 2025 sales tax that built a hangar for American to use at the maintenance base.

The sign shop at the Transport Workers union is churning out campaign signs in support of American Airlines.

They're hoping by making and distributing the signs - they'll build public support - and that will turn into political support for American's employees, and maybe the airline itself.

"Doesn't matter which political party you have, this is important for the state. Jobs are jobs," said Gary Elias of the Transport Workers Union.

In Owasso - the economic development team is working on saving what they have - an estimated 800 residents who now work at American.

"Our community is full of American Airlines employees. That business is near and dear to our hearts and we want to support those employees, who live, and work and play and put their kids through the schools in our communities," said Chelsea Harkins of Owasso Economic Development.

The framework of American's bankruptcy plan so far includes the layoff of possibly 2100 employees in Tulsa.

An American Airlines spokesperson said, "We realize change is difficult, but it's necessary for American to become a successful company and continue to employ thousands of people in Oklahoma."

Some political leaders have suggested the possibility of a financial incentive package for American - but it's still undefined.

"Those discussions are moving forward as they can, with the given information they're receiving," Harkins said.

The employees are working on public relations - but even they don't know what it would take for American to preserve some of the jobs not set to leave Tulsa.

"There's a lot of things I'm sure on the wish list. Whether it would make a difference in the decision making, I can't answer that," Elias said.

While we're hearing from several places that political types are talking about it - we've had a hard time getting confirmation and clarification.

Voters have approved incentives for American before - so there's a precedent that American can ask for it - and possibly get money from taxpayers.