US airlines have begun laying off thousands of workers after efforts to negotiate a new economic relief plan faltered in Congress.

American Airlines says it has withdrawn 19,000 workers and United Airlines says it has withdrawn 13,000.

Carriers – hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic – say they are prepared to backtrack on decisions if more funding is found.

Airlines have received billions of dollars from the federal government.

Congress approved the agreed aid earlier in the year As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act [Cares Act]. It was conditional that the tankers did not lay off workers until October 1.

Airlines around the world have been hit by the massive drop in demand due to the pandemic.

In a letter to employees announcing the layoffs, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said: “I am very sorry we came to this conclusion. This is not what all of them deserve.”

On Wednesday, United Airlines, in a letter to its employees, said it is appealing to “our elected leaders to compromise, do a deal now, and save jobs.”

Media playback is not supported on your device

“In an ongoing effort to give the federal government every opportunity to act, we have made clear to leadership in the administration, Congress and among our union partners that we can and will reverse the clearance process if the Cares Act payroll support program is extended in the next few days.”

She added, “To our departing family members: I thank you for your dedication and we look forward to welcoming you again.”

The layoffs added to the pressure on Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who were trying to agree on a follow-up relief plan for the ailing US economy.

The Democrats, who control the House, are pressing for a $ 2.2 trillion (£ 1.7 trillion) package while the White House wants to keep it at $ 1.6 trillion. It includes the latest $ 20 billion bid for troubled airlines.

On Thursday, Democratic House of Representatives debated the impasse. But the Senate was postponed until Monday evening, Reuters reported, indicating that the end of the impasse was not near.

A Pelosi spokesman said, “The distance in key areas is still there,” after a 50-minute phone call with Mr. Mnuchin on Thursday afternoon.