Northwest Airlines to lay off about 150 mechanics

Airline Industry Information, June 19, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Northwest Airlines is planning to lay off about 150 mechanics following a decline in travel to the Asia-Pacific region prompted by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The airline has notified the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association that it required about 700 fewer technicians following a previously announced decision to ground 16 Boeing 747 aircraft. However, the airline will open three new maintenance lines at its Minneapolis-St. Paul base for Boeing 757 and Airbus A320 aircraft, which requires about 550 employees, thus reducing the number of layoffs to about 150.

Northwest Airlines has invoked a 'force majeure' clause in its labour contract, which allows the carrier to modify contract terms in the event of a major unforeseen development.

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