Northwest Mechanics Denied Unemployment

Striking mechanics at Northwest Airlines are ineligible for unemployment benefits because their strike is still active, a Minnesota judge ruled Wednesday.

Judge Kent Todd wrote that striking mechanics don't qualify for jobless benefits because, in previous state Supreme Court cases, "The court held that the labor dispute ended either when the parties reached a settlement or when the striking workers unconditionally agreed to return to work."

He said leaders of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association have not called off the strike, which began Aug. 19, and the two sides haven't reached agreement. In December, union members rejected a contract offer that would have changed their status from on strike to laid off.

If the strike ends, the mechanics would become eligible for state unemployment benefits.

AMFA spokesman Steve Conway said he hadn't seen the decision and was not able to comment. Other officials at the union did not immediately return calls for comment.

Northwest hired permanent replacements last year. Todd wrote that the replacement of striking workers doesn't specifically end a labor dispute, according to a report in Thursday's edition of the Star Tribune.

In addition, AMFA's rules permit its leadership "to end the strike without a vote of its members." The judge said leadership did not put a contract offer out for a vote until December, when Northwest had filled the 880 available jobs.

Northwest has been seeking concessions from all its unions. The airline filed for bankruptcy protection on Sept. 14.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.