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United Airlines will close its frequent-flier call center in Tucson at the end of April in a move that will affect 150 employees.

A spokesman for the bankrupt Chicago-based airline said 20 salaried and management employees will be laid off, while 130 employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will be offered positions at United's call center in Rapid City, S.D.

"The reservation call center in Tucson was one of the smaller call centers, and most of that work will be consolidated to our call center in Rapid City," said United spokesman Jeff Green. For the 130 union workers, "we will abide by what's outlined in their contract."

United will provide financial help to those wishing to transfer to the Rapid City call center and will offer outplacement services to workers who choose not to make the move to South Dakota, Green said.

United opened the Tucson call center at 3434 E. 22nd St. in 1991, he said. The center provides customer service for United's frequent-flyer program, Mileage Plus.

Employees who opt to stay in Tucson should not find it difficult to get work, as at least one call center could hire all 130 United employees and then some, said Chawn Head, human resources director at the Sears Customer Care Center, 4755 S. Butterfield Drive.

"We'd absolutely want them to come down and apply," Head said. "In fact, if they qualify, we'll hold positions for them until they can start."

Sears currently has about 600 employees and plans to add 400 more in the next six months, she said.

Starting hourly wages at Sears range from $8.80 to $10. With bonuses, workers can make up to $15 per hour, Head said.