United Parcel Service plans to furlough at least 300 pilots, until and unless it finds more savings with the employees’ joint effort union. 11 percent of its 2,800 pilots would be involved in the suspension which will start in May.

United Parcel Service felt a need for "belt-tightening" in the gradually recovering economy. It didn’t want to suspend any pilot. But it found the solution only with the pilots’ union that would turn aside or moderate the discharges before they take effect. It has also been decided that the pilot ranks will be trimmed, after the company and the Independent Pilots Association in June averted layoffs with an agreement for $131 million in labor concessions over three years.

“Even though the economy has begun to turn around, UPS anticipates a very gradual recovery and a continued need for belt-tightening. This is a painful decision for our people, but one that is right for the ongoing health of our business”, said Bob Lekites, the president of UPS Airlines.

UPS is going to cut 1,800 jobs as it is diminishing in US operating districts in its small-package unit which is its largest division. Fourth-quarter net income of $757 million on sales of $12.4 billion was reported by the company.