Quick deal called unlikely in walkout by mechanics

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 11, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A union spokesman for striking Northwest Airlines mechanics said Saturday he doubts a deal will be reached anytime soon to end the three-week walkout.

"I think it would be a miracle for us to reach an agreement during this round of bargaining," said Steve MacFarlane, assistant national director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

Andy Roberts, Northwest vice president for operations, said no new proposals were exchanged Saturday.

Northwest is seeking $1.1 billion in annual labor cost savings and has said rising fuel prices mean it will probably raise that target. The company is in talks with all of its workers.