United Airlines to lay off at least 575 workers around the country

Friday, December 3rd 2004, 2:05 pm

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ United Airlines said it will lay off at least 575 customer service employees, ramp workers and other staffers at 18 airports as it tries to cut costs and get out of bankruptcy.

Jean Medina, spokeswoman for the Chicago-based airline, said Thursday that about 250 other workers will be given the option of taking other positions.

United, which has racked up more than $9 billion in losses since the end of 2000, filed for bankruptcy two years ago. It hopes to emerge by July.

The airline is also expected to terminate its pension plans, a move that would provide about $600 million in annual savings, and is negotiating with its unions to reduce wages and benefits.