Pink slips went out to the first...

Pink slips went out to the first of 3,500 Eastern Airlines employees due to be laid off in the latest round of cuts by the financially ailing carrier. In the baggage handlers’ work area at Miami International Airport a sign was posted saying, “Waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Glum employees heading into work said they had not yet received notice of the layoffs, announced Wednesday by Eastern President Phil Bakes after the carrier posted a $67.4-million loss for the third quarter. Ninety percent to 95% of the targeted employees were to receive their letters of notification Thursday, and the rest will be informed today, an Eastern official who asked not to be identified said.