Orange County

OIA offering incentives for employees to leave on their own to avoid layoffs

ORLANDO, Fla. — With fewer flights and fewer travelers, Orlando International airport has been hemorrhaging money during the pandemic.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Airport Board took steps to try to avoid laying off some of its workers.

READ: President Trump returns to Central Florida Friday for third rally this month

Airport CEO Phil Brown proposed offering incentives to employees willing to leave on their own, which includes 12 weeks of base pay and paying out a higher percentage of accrued sick leave.

It also includes a few months of health care.

READ: Senate fails to pass GOP relief package; White House hopeful for new deal in 48 hours

The airport has already implemented a hiring freeze, cut operating expenses and deferred capital projects.

The goal is to try and save around $3.3 million in payroll each year. Based on an average salary, that would be around 50 employees of the roughly 800 employees who work for the airport.

READ: Timber Creek High School moves to virtual learning after 14 COVID-19 cases reported

Jeff Deal

Jeff Deal, WFTV.com

I joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in 2006.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.