Northwest Airlines prepares contingency arrangements ahead of possible strike by mechanics

Airline Industry Information, July 22, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Northwest Airlines has revealed details of its preparations ahead of a possible strike by members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

The airline has almost finished training replacement mechanics, and more maintenance work is being allocated to outside contractors. In addition Northwest's partner carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken on "an expanded maintenance role".

On Wednesday (20 July) mediators declared an impasse in the negotiations between Northwest and its mechanics, starting a 30-day long cooling-off period that will end on 20 August. Under federal labour law, after that period the mechanics can strike or the airline can impose new wage rules.

Northwest said in an employee newsletter on Thursday (21 July) that only a small percentage of its fleet would require heavy maintenance to be carried out between August and November.

In related news Northwest Airlines flight attendants are reportedly suing the airline in an effort to stop the company training replacement flight attendants on Northwest flights in preparation for a strike.

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