Eastern Airlines announced 259 more layoffs.

The financially troubled airline said streamlining and realignment of its fleet mix, maintenance locations and other operations will result in layoffs affecting mechanics and related positions in Boston and Miami. The company said the layoffs will save the carrier $17 million. Eastern’s Machinists Union District President Charles Bryan immediately denounced the move, calling it one more step in parent company Texas Air Corp.’s plan to dismantle Eastern. He said the layoffs violated contract seniority rules and were aimed at provoking a work stoppage to give Houston-based Texas Air an excuse to break union contracts.