Tue, Aug 16, 2005
But Union Remains Concerned About Maintaining Schedule During
Strike
Last-ditch negotiations between
Northwest Airlines (Nasdaq:NWAC) and the Aircraft Mechanics
Fraternal Association (AMFA) began today amid the carrier's stated
concerns about maintaining its flight schedule during a strike that
looms on August 20.
Northwest has publicly stated that its plan to use replacement
mechanics and additional outsourcing will keep the airline running
smoothly, but the company's quarterly financial report issued on
August 9 said "there can be no assurances" Northwest will be able
"to continue operating a full schedule in the event of a
strike."
Last week, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press reported that an
internal Northwest document dated June 28 conceded "there is
inherent risk in the plan due to its scope and complexity."
"A strike is only five days away now. For the sake of the flying
public and the company we helped build, we hope Northwest will
finally take the negotiating process seriously and stop proposing
terms the airline knows have zero chance of being approved by our
members," said AMFA National Leader O.V. Delle-Femine.
"Through five months of
negotiations, Northwest has refused to abandon its initial proposal
that would require AMFA members to approve a contract in which 53
percent of them would lose their jobs. Remaining employees would
receive pay cuts of 25-26 percent, and there would be no job
security for the positions," according to Delle-Femine. Northwest
dismissed AMFA's earlier offer of 16.1 percent pay cuts and other
concessions, but to date the airline has not presented a
comprehensive counter-proposal.
A strike by AMFA mechanics, cleaners and custodians could begin
at any point after 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on August 20, 2005. In
July, an overwhelming 92.4 percent of its Northwest members voted
to authorize Delle-Femine to call a strike.
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