Continental Airlines to cut 425 jobs

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Houston-based Continental Airlines said Thursday that it plans to cut 425 jobs, which it expects will save $200 million.

Continental characterized the move as an attempt to reduce losses without asking for wage and benefit concessions from its workers. The company is also looking to negotiate savings from suppliers, reductions in facilities, fuel and distribution costs, and enhanced productivity, it said.

The cuts will result in a 24 percent management and clerical staff reduction since 2001.

Most of the cuts will occur immediately and do not include the 253 previously announced reservations staff reduction.

Continental is the world's sixth-largest airline.