Pilots' union claims talks with Northwest Airlines moving forward

Airline Industry Information, Oct 11, 2004

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Talks between Northwest Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) are on a knife edge with pilots claiming that a deal is very close but could still collapse.

The airline is asking for USD300m in concessions from its pilots, with ALPA placing a USD200m package on the table. Talks on 8 October 2004 seemed to indicate movement from both sides, with the union issuing a newsletter to its members saying that both sides had moved from their original offers. No details of the new positions were given.

An ALPA spokesperson urged caution however as although progress has been good it could still stall. Northwest Airlines refused to comment on the negotiations. The airline is keen to make USD950m in savings from all of its employees with pilots being asked to make the biggest sacrifice. Negotiations with ground staff are also under way, reports The Associated Press.

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