First Negotiations In A Month

Northwest Airlines and it striking mechanics' union sit down this week for the first time since talks between the two broke down last month. The union warns members not to expect an agreement that would end the long-running strike. But the meeting could set the stage for talks that will eventually bring the two sides together and end the job action.

The mechanics have been on strike for almost two months now, replaced by a scratch force of non-union mechanics that have kept Northwest flying throughout the strike -- and through the company's September bankruptcy.

A phone message posted by the Aircraft Mechanics' Fraternal Association said its “negotiating committee and Northwest have agreed to meet for the purpose of reviewing where the parties stand and to determine whether the current issues can be resolved.” The message was quoted by the Detroit Free-Press.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, according to a spokesman for Northwest.

Talks broke down on September 11th, when the two sides couldn't agree on severance pay for thousands of mechanics the company wants to lay-off. Union negotiators wanted 20 weeks of severance. The airline held firm at 16 weeks.

NWA wants to lay off approximately 75-percent of its mechanics and aircraft cleaners.

FMI: www.nwa.com, www.amfa33.org