AA to recall 386 furloughed workers

DALLAS, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. carrier American Airlines Inc. said it would recall 368 fight personnel this year who had been on furlough for more than seven years.

"We regularly evaluate staffing levels and are making this announcement to address expected staffing needs for the summer and beyond," company spokeswoman Missy Latham said.

"The ability to recall these colleagues back to work is due in large part to our joint business agreements and to the strengthening of our cornerstone hubs," The Dallas Morning News Thursday quoted Latham as saying.

The flight attendants would be called back in February and March and would undergo four weeks of training. They are not expected to begin work until June, the airline said.

The recalled crew members were all previous employees of Trans World Airlines Inc., which merged with AA in 2001. But, the attendants were furloughed in 2003 before the airlines officially completed the merger so they have never worked directly for AA.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported AA has 796 flight attendants currently on furlough.

"These … flight attendants have been through a long, difficult struggle, and we'll be thrilled to have them back on the line," said Association of Professional Flight Attendants President Laura Glading.

"APFA will continue to work with American until each and every one of the remaining furloughed flight attendants is back to work," Glading said.