Northwest Airlines mechanics file grievance against proposed layoffs

Airline Industry Information, March 26, 2003

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

Northwest Airlines' mechanics have reportedly filed a grievance challenging the company's right to conduct mass layoffs.

The airline has announced plans to cut about 4,900 jobs due to low travel demand caused by military action in Iraq. However, the mechanics - represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association - claim that the airline is using the Iraq conflict as an excuse to justify mass layoffs planned before the conflict started.

The mechanics have also stated that the layoffs are far larger than would be justified based on the 20 aircraft Northwest is to remove from service, Reuters reported.

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