American Airlines Employees Finally Land Some ZZZ’s. Thanks To Mattress Giant

Furniture World Magazine

Mattress Giant has stepped up to lend a helping hand after being moved by a Dallas Morning News article documenting the plight of several American Airlines employees, struggling to get by after recent cuts in pay. According to News Reporter Katie Fairbank, “Workers at American Airlines are finding it difficult to handle the sweeping cuts they accepted to keep the Fort Worth-based carrier afloat.” Fairbank profiled one mechanic from Arlington, Texas who opted to work out of Chicago to keep his job. He now flies home on his days off to spend time with his family. He and three other mechanics share an apartment and sleep on inflatable air mattresses. After reading the story, Mattress Giant Vice President, Ron Dekelbaum immediately contacted Fairbank and offered to donate mattresses for each of the “Chicago roommates.” “We are all very touched by the sacrifices these employees are making and were inspired to do something special so they would not have to sleep under those conditions,” said Dekelbaum. “Hopefully a good night sleep will make their days more healthy and productive.” According to Fairbank, upon hearing the good news, the mechanics said, “they would definitely love the beds as they're pretty sick of sleeping on sinking air mattresses. They were overwhelmed by the kindness and want to make sure Mattress Giant realizes that even though these are hard, hard times, they are making it.” On July 16, 2003 Mattress Giant delivered four full bed sets to the American employees from its Bensenville, Illinois distribution facility. Mattress Giant operates 245 retail locations specializing in the sale of bedding and related items in fourteen states including Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Wisconsin.