=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2002/12/17/f= inancial0738EST0018.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, December 17, 2002 (AP) Delta Air Lines preparing for layoffs (12-17) 04:38 PST ATLANTA (AP) -- Nearly 4,000 employees at Delta Air Lines signed up for the latest round of early retirement or buyout offers, a Delta official said. But that won't be enough to prevent substantial layoffs at the Atlanta-based company early next year. The preliminary count brings the carrier about halfway to its goal of cutting 7,000-8,000 jobs by next spring. Delta officials had said the airline hoped to achieve the cuts with voluntary exit offers, but knew it would be difficult to accomplish. Delta spokesman John Kennedy said Monday it may be weeks before the company decides how many layoffs will occur at various hub airports and bases. "Remember, we have to look at more than 200 cities," Kennedy said. "No involuntary furlough numbers have been announced, and they will depend on operational needs and will be assessed over the next few months." On the Net: www.delta.com =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2002 AP