By ROXANA HEGEMAN ~ Associated Press

WICHITA (AP) – The machinists union is objecting to Hawker Beechcraft’s request in its bankruptcy filing for more than $5.3 million in bonuses to eight top executives.

In a filing Wednesday, the union criticized what it called the “complete irony and hypocrisy” of the Wichita airplane maker’s request for the bonuses while rank-and-file jobs are lost and the company seeks to eliminate pension plans.

A hearing on the bonus request is scheduled Thursday in federal bankruptcy court in New York.

Hawker Beechcraft contends the bonus plan recognizes the critical role of certain employees in the bankruptcy process. The company says retaining those executives is crucial to the ongoing business and bankruptcy restructuring.

Union officials also are opposing an additional $1.9 million in bonuses to 31 other management-level employees.