United Said to Plan Deeper Staff Cuts

United Airlines intends to reduce the number of its pilots and flight attendants by as much as 25% and implement a two-tier pay structure under the business plan it has devised in bankruptcy protection, a report said.

The Chicago Tribune, citing unidentified sources, reported that pilots and flight attendants working for a planned discount carrier to be operated by the airline would be paid significantly less than those on regular United flights. United declined to comment on the report.

The union representing pilots said any attempt to sell routes, aircraft and other assets to a low-cost carrier with separate management and collective bargaining agreements would not be tolerated.

UAL shares fell 6 cents to $1.09 on the NYSE.