American Airlines to cut 323 attendants

Union officials said U.S. air carrier American Airlines told 323 flight attendants their positions had been cut due to shrinking demand for travel.

The airline also this week it may reduce passenger capacity further this year due to light demand. Earlier, American Airlines said it would trim flight schedules 7 percent this year, following an 8 percent reduction in 2008.

Laura Glading, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said some of the attendants involved in the layoff had just returned to work from previous furloughs.

This will be most devastating for them, she said. Our heart goes out to our members who will soon be without income, active coverage for health benefits and the career they love, she said.