19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|Breaking News, Weather, ExclusivesLayoffs: Continental Airlines Announce 1,700 Job Cuts and New Fees

Layoffs: Continental Airlines Announce 1,700 Job Cuts and New Fees

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Continental Airlines announced Tuesday that they will be laying off 1700 positions across the company. The company will also increase checked bag and phone reservation fees.

Press release from Continental:

Tuesday, July 21st - In response to the significant decline in revenue, Continental is implementing a number of measures to raise revenues and reduce costs that are designed to achieve approximately $100 million in annual benefits when fully implemented in 2010 including:

•  Eliminating approximately 1,700 positions across the company, including management and clerical positions. This is in addition to the previously announced elimination of 500 reservation agent positions and special company offered leaves of absence extended for 700 flight attendants. Continental is offering employees voluntary programs to minimize the number of involuntary furloughs and reductions in force.

• Increasing domestic checked baggage fees by $5 for customers who do not prepay those fees online. This change is effective immediately for travel Aug. 19, 2009, and beyond.

• Increasing the telephone reservation booking service fee by $5 effective immediately.
• Other revenue initiatives to be announced when implemented

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