UNITED Top executives to take pay cuts to help airline

Total number of layoffs has reached 9,000.
CHICAGO (AP) -- United Airlines' labor and wage cuts are going all the way to the top.
The company said Tuesday its top executives, including CEO Glenn Tilton, will take 11-percent pay cuts to help the company grapple with its financial woes. The plan, expected to save $60 million, also eliminates eight of 44 executive officer positions.
United also announced plans to furlough 352 pilots over the next two months. The airline is seeking to decrease its flying schedule next year.
Executives' merit raises for 2002 and incentive pay also have been canceled.
"Our objective is to optimize the performance of the organization while reducing the airline's cost structure," Tilton said in a release. He is paid $950,000 a year.
The new round of layoffs will bring the total to 9,000 employees, including 1,196 pilots. The company has about 83,000 employees.
Whether the airline files for bankruptcy court protection hinges on whether mechanics vote to accept 7-percent wage cuts Thursday and whether the airline receives a federal $1.8 billion loan guarantee. The Air Transportation Stabilization Board is seeking steep cost cuts from United in exchange for government assistance.