United reducing workforce on Guam

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Several United airlines employees on Guam will be furloughed in the coming months. Sources with the airline confirm employees received notification letters Tuesday that the company has made a business decision to reduce its workforce. United employees were also notified that the furlough follows the tentative November 9 closure of the UA call center located in the Century Plaza in Tamuning. The airlines city ticket office will remain open at that location. Sources say UA reservation employees at the call center have seniority and will be transferred to the airport following the anticipated closure. This leaves several currently at the airport without a job by the end of the year. There are currently 40 employees working at the Tamuning office, but its unknown at this time just how much will be affected.  Employees let go will also be given priority if the airline opens up positions in the future. Sources add United is outsourcing its cargo facility on Guam as well as at other locations across the nation. Its unknown if and just how many cargo employees may be impacted by this pending change. 

Employees not affected by the furlough were given options for early out or one year leave.

United Airlines Director of Corporate Communications for Asia Pacific Koji Nagata responds to reports of employee furloughs in the company.

"United confirms that it is reorganizing its Contact Center, Cargo and Airport Operations functions on Guam as part of company-wide initiatives to increase efficiency and achieve sustained profitability. The company will close its Guam Contact Center, outsource its local Cargo functions and reduce the number of local Airport Operations employees. The company is in discussions with the employees affected by this decision, providing them with appropriate support and assistance. United remains committed to its Guam hub."