All employees in the US, Guam and Puerto Rico can benefit from the programme. Source: United Airlines.

US carrier United Airlines is offering so-called ‘buyouts’ to its workers in the form of ‘enhanced medical benefits and travel privileges’ amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

In an internal memo sent to staff obtained by Skift and posted on Twitter, the airline reveals that any employee in the US, Guam or Puerto Rico can receive the benefits in exchange for a ‘voluntary separation’ from the company.

The programme, which runs for a limited time from 26 March to 10 April, is split into three groups dependent on age and years of service: those aged 63.5 years and over; those under 63.5 years with more than 10 years’ service; and those under 63.5 years with fewer than 10 years’ service.

Those eligible can also pass on many of the benefits to their spouse or domestic partner.

A WELCOME OPTION AT A TIME OF NEED

Benefits are provided in addition to those receiving retiree medical concessions.

“We’re offering this programme because in this turbulent time, we want to give you some control over your path forward,” the memo continued.

“We do have to make sure that our operational needs are covered, now and also when we begin to ramp up service again, so the only thing that would potentially prevent the approval of an employee’s request would be if too many team members from one area wanted to participate.

“As we continue to watch events unfold around the world, with the situation growing more unbelievable and surreal by the day, we’re glad to be able to offer this programme rather than moving to an involuntary change.

“We hope that for some of you, this will come as a welcome option during a time of enormous uncertainty and will help make confident decisions for you and your families. Everybody please take care and stay safe.”

As reported, the US Senate has approved a $2tn funding package in the form of the coronavirus aid bill in the past 24 hours, which includes hundreds of billions’ worth of financial support and loans for companies.