US Airways Moves Could Cost 1,000 Jobs

"We are not chess pieces," Flores said. While 150 flight attendants face layoffs, more than 300 face base closures that would require commutes to continue working, a challenge at a time of high-load factors throughout the airline industry. Flores intends to negotiate for buyouts and protection when no seats are available for commuting flight attendants.

Last month, American(AMR) announced similar change to pull back capacity to its hubs. "It's not rocket science," Flores said. "US Airways is not blazing a trail here -- they never do. But they get a more streamlined operation and they put their assets where their customers are."

-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C.

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