Merger in the Air

  • Northwest, union argue over impact of mechanics' strike
    There were some wary passengers but few reported problems Monday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, on the third day of the Northwest mechanics strike. The airline and the union disagree over how much travel has been impacted by the strike.August 22, 2005
  • Northwest mechanics hit the picket lines
    Northwest Airlines tries to keep its flights on schedule during a strike by members of the mechanics union. What will the strike mean for the airline and its workers? Why didn't flight attendants follow suit? And what impact might a strike have on travelers?August 22, 2005
  • Problems reported as business travel pressures NWA's system
    Many people's gazes are turned skyward to see how Northwest Airlines fares on the third full day of its mechanics' union strike.August 22, 2005
  • Monday likely to provide major test in mechanics' strike
    The effects of the Northwest Airline's mechanics' strike are just starting to take shape as it moves into its second full day. Contract talks between the company and the union broke down late Friday night and union members walked out. Northwest has brought in 1,500 replacement mechanics to fill in for the striking workers.August 21, 2005
  • Early travel smooth in first day of Northwest mechanics strike
    Mechanics struck Northwest Airlines Corp. late Friday, resisting big pay cuts and layoffs that would have cut their numbers almost in half. The nation's fourth-largest airline pledged to keep flying with replacements.August 20, 2005
  • NWA strike negotiations enter final hours
    Barring a last-minute contract agreement, or an agreement to keep talking, mechanics at Northwest Airlines say they will go on strike at 11 o'clock Friday night. Minnesota Public Radio News has a series of in-depth reports on Northwest, its unions and the contentious negotations underway in Washington. (Photo by Bill Alkofer/Getty Images)August 19, 2005
  • Northwest points to management cuts as sign of fairness
    Northwest Airline's mechanics union is weighing what the airline calls its last, best offer on a new contract, in an effort to avoid an 11 p.m. Friday strike deadline. One of the key issues is the company's plans to cut the number of mechanics -- reportedly up to half of them. Northwest says it has tried to spread the cuts around the company -- including among its managers.August 19, 2005
  • Heading for a strike
    Northwest Airlines' mechanics union may legally strike at one minute after 11:00pm on Friday. Both the airline and the union say they are far from an agreement, but admit there could be movement in the last hours of negotiations.August 19, 2005
  • Though deal is elusive, strike at Northwest not a sure thing... yet
    Negotiators for Northwest and its mechanics union are back at the table in Washington after a long day on Wednesday. Both sides say they remain committed to working right up until Friday night's strike deadline if that's what it takes to get a deal.August 18, 2005
  • Duluth mechanics prepare to walk
    Northwest Airline's Duluth mechanics are ready to walk off the job Friday if negotiations fail between the airline and mechanics union. Meanwhile, city officials are watching to see if Northwest maintains employment levels promised at its Duluth jet maintenance base.August 18, 2005
  • Northwest prepares for CHAOS
    As the strike deadline for Northwest mechanics draws closer, the airline is also concerned about whether other unions will strike in sympathy. Officials are reportedly preparing for flight attendants to use a strategy called CHAOS, which could disrupt flight schedules unpredictably.August 17, 2005
  • Northwest and mechanics still talking
    Negotiators for Northwest Airlines and its mechanics union will be back at the bargaining table again Wednesday, for talks aimed at reaching a contract agreement before Friday night's strike deadline. They worked for nearly 13 hours on Tuesday.August 17, 2005
  • Impact of new bankruptcy laws on Northwest Airlines uncertain
    New, more restrictive bankruptcy laws take effect in mid-October. Will they push Northwest Airlines to file for bankruptcy?August 15, 2005
  • NWA and mechanics union return to bargaining table
    NWA and its mechanics union open talks in Washington, D.C, as a strike deadline looms.August 15, 2005
  • Northwest lays out plans to fly without union mechanics
    Northwest Airlines says if the company's mechanics strike, the walkout will spell the end of some of their jobs. Company executives announced Thursday their plans to deploy some 1,500 replacement workers and managers in the event of a walkout. And they said a strike would lead to the permanent outsourcing of some maintenance work.August 11, 2005
Merger in the Air photo by Michael Carter

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