ya know, usually with this company the rumors have a way of becoming a reality. There were rumors going around for months about the closure of the facility where I once worked, and the management kept denying it. Then, "unexpectedly" it closed. The culture at US Airways since the mid-80's has been to promote fear& uncertainty when it pertains to job security, especially if it is a senior location. As far as timing of the rumors, well I wonder who plants the seed?
I hope it's not true, I wish no one the hardship of losing their job, but maybe use the rumor to "hedge your options"