To Be Used If Pilots Strike After Judge's Decision

Pilots for Northwest Airlines are taking steps to insure they're ready in case a US Bankruptcy Court judge grants Northwest's request to override its current contract with them.

Acting on a resolution by the Northwest Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) requesting financial assistance, earlier this week ALPA's Executive Council granted the Northwest pilot group up to $10 million from the union's Major Contingency Fund.

ALPA is currently presenting its case in the 1113(c) hearing to persuade the bankruptcy judge that rejection of the NWA pilot contract is not warranted given NWA pilots' recent concessions and fair contract proposals. The hearing is expected to conclude on approximately February 2, 2006 and under the statute the judge has a deadline of no later than February 16, 2006 to issue a decision --unless the company and ALPA agree to extend that deadline.

In the event the judge authorizes NWA management to reject the NWA pilot contract, Northwest pilots would have the right to strike. ALPA representatives tell Aero-News should that become a reality, the $10 million pledge will be used to escalate contingency planning for strike activity, increased communications, rallies and other strategic preparedness activities.

"We do not want to strike; we want to reach a fair consensual agreement with NWA management. Unfortunately, Northwest management is forcing our hand so we must be ready for all possibilities," MEC Chairman Mark McClain said. "ALPA's financial support, along with the support of all 62,000 ALPA pilots, will guarantee our pilot group is fully prepared."

As has been reported in Aero-News, Northwest says rejecting its current contracts may be the only way to save the troubled carrier -- unless pilots agree to further concessions.

ALPA, in turn, says pilots have already taken a 39 percent pay cut, agreed to higher medical costs, offered to fly small jet aircraft at industry standard rates, and frozen their pension plan -- which should save the company plenty.

FMI: www.nwaalpa.org