American Airlines expected to announce a decision on its maintenance facility in Tulsa within 2 weeks

The News On 6 has learned a decision affecting Tulsa's 8,000 American Airlines workers could come as early as next week. <br><br>Meanwhile, American continues to downsize to avoid bankruptcy. The

Wednesday, July 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The News On 6 has learned a decision affecting Tulsa's 8,000 American Airlines workers could come as early as next week.

Meanwhile, American continues to downsize to avoid bankruptcy. The airline laid off more than 3,000 flight attendants and parked almost 60 planes. The company is considering cutting flights, consolidating call centers, and closing maintenance bases.

That includes the Tulsa facility, where thousands of jobs are on the line. Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune, "Half a billion dollar payroll, 58 years, and billion is to the Tulsa economy our biggest employer we've gotta act to preserve these jobs." American Airlines negotiated $1.8-billion in concessions from its unions in April.

But company officials say they need to trim $4-billion a year to avoid bankruptcy.