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Strike Looms At Northwest Airlines

July 19, 2005
Northwest Airlines is bracing for a strike after its mechanics voted to authorize a walkout. Both the union and the company have requested the two sides be released from arbitration. The National Mediation Board has been refereeing the contentious labor negotiations.

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"Our members have expressed their extreme frustration with Northwest's unreasonable demands and refusal to take the negotiating process seriously," O.V. Delle-Femine, National Director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, said.

The company issued a statement saying it still hoped to sign a contract with its mechanics, but was making preparations to fly its full schedule, regardless of whether there is a strike.

So far, Northwest has gained $300 million in concessions from pilots and managers, and is still seeking $148 million from its flight attendants.

The airline asked mechanics to give up $176 million in pay. The union has offered about $143 million.

Northwest is among the large carriers struggling for financial stability in the face of rising fuel costs and more aggressive competition.

Complicating matters is its under-funded pension, which is now $3.8 billion in the red. The airline is currently lobbying members of Congress to allow it to spread out its pension payment

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