Smooth landing: CEO says Delta may not lay off any workers

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, in a stark contrast to most of his rivals, says the airline might not have to lay off any workers despite the crushing coronavirus pandemic. Bastian said more than 17,000 employees, or almost 20% of Delta’s 90,000 employees, have accepted early retirement offers and thousands more have agreed to voluntary unpaid leave in the fall. Last week, United warned that up to 36,000 of its employees face layoffs, though its ultimate number will depend on voluntary programs, too. Other airlines are also bracing for heavy fall layoffs as the payroll protections from the CARES Act end.