US Airways informed workers yesterday that it will eliminate 50 jobs at Port Columbus in August as it outsources some of the ground functions there to a company that has yet to be chosen.
The move affects 31 full-time and 19 part-time ramp workers who are represented by the International Association of Machinists union, an airline spokesman said.
The changes will allow the company to increase efficiency, "given US Airways' limited flying to and from Columbus," the spokesman said.
The airline is the third-largest carrier at Port Columbus in terms of passengers, behind Southwest and Delta.
American Airlines made the same move two years ago when it cut 55 ramp jobs at Port Columbus as it cut flights.
US Airways is offering laid-off workers a chance to relocate to other operations or re-apply for their jobs with the new third-party company.
Union representatives say, though, that workers who re-apply in these situations lose any seniority and frequently face a 50-percent pay cut.
