United Airlines to cut 16,370 workers

One of North America's top airlines is preparing to make massive job cuts.

United Airlines said Wednesday (September 3) it will furlough more than 16,000 workers when federal aid expires on October 1.

It will affect 2,850 pilots, just over 2,000 mechanics, and close to 7,000 flight attendants.

The cuts come as the U.S. government struggles to agree a new aid package to protect jobs through March - something airlines have lobbied Washington for.

A first $25 billion in aid covered airline payrolls, but that expires this month, and talks have stalled in Congress over extending financial support, as they struggle to agree on a broader virus assistance package.

One major industry union warned 14,000 flight attendants will not have a paycheck in October unless Congress acts.

That as many chose leaves that will provide healthcare but no money.

Overall, U.S. passenger airlines are collectively losing more than $5 billion a month, with travel demand down around 70%.

United isn't the only U.S. airline to announce job cuts.

Rivals American Airlines and Delta have both recently announced plans to lay off thousands of workers.