Washoe airport employees face firing

Airport managers also are urging a hiring freeze to cope with the loss of 16 American Airlines flights at the airport. The freeze would affect 15 full-time jobs and four part-time positions that already are vacant.

The job cuts would become effective July 1.

The proposed layoffs in the fire department would require staffing levels to drop from a minimum of six firefighters a shift to four.

Airport officials said the cuts would not compromise public safety or exceed Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

But the head of the firefighters' union disagreed, saying the cuts would harm public safety.

To reduce layoffs, managers also are recommending early retirement incentives for employees in certain departments.

archive