Northwest, Striking Mechanics to Resume Talks

July 28, 2006
The union representing Northwest Airlines mechanics who have been on strike for nearly a year said Thursday that contract talks will resume Aug. 15.

The union representing Northwest Airlines mechanics who have been on strike for nearly a year said Thursday that contract talks will resume Aug. 15.

Neither side has attached any preconditions, said Jeff Mathews, spokesman for the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association bargaining committee.

There have been no talks since November. AMFA struck on Aug. 20, 2005, and Northwest imposed a new contract on those who crossed the picket line.

"Our goal remains to obtain a consensual agreement. We welcome the resumption of face-to-face discussions," Mathews said.

Northwest did not immediately return a phone message Thursday night. The Eagan-based airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2005.

Most of the striking mechanics have lost their jobs. But union members in December voted down a contract offer that would have officially switched their status from on strike to laid off. That would have made them eligible for state unemployment benefits.

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