Northwest Airlines and the union representing aircraft mechanics continued a fourth day of talks Thursday in Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the National Mediation Board.
"Both sides broke for lunch and have now returned to the table," Steve MacFarlane, president of Local 33 of the Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association, said in a statement posted on the union's website. "It is anticipated that they will continue to work into the evening.
"It has been rumored that everything is done except the back pay. This is not true. . . Several observers from MSP are in Washington and are participating in the process. This ensures an open forum and you can be comforted in knowing that our members continue to monitor the process."
If no settlement is reached, the National Mediation Board could declare an impasse and start the countdown on a 30-day "cooling-off" period to a strike. President Bush also could intervene and try to force a settlement.
AMFA represents more than 9,600 aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Northwest. The union has been negotiating with the airline since June 1999. Prior to that, the mechanics were represented by the Machinists union, which had begun contract talks in October 1996.
For the latest on the negotiations, go to the AMFA website, www.amfa33.org
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Northwest Airlines and the union representing aircraft mechanics continued a fourth day of talks Thursday in Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the National Mediation Board.
“Both sides broke for lunch and have now returned to the table,” Steve MacFarlane, president of Local 33 of the Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association, said in a statement posted on the union’s website. “It is anticipated that they will continue to work into the evening.
“It has been rumored that everything is done except the back pay. This is not true. . . Several observers from MSP are in Washington and are participating in the process. This ensures an open forum and you can be comforted in knowing that our members continue to monitor the process.”
If no settlement is reached, the National Mediation Board could declare an impasse and start the countdown on a 30-day “cooling-off” period to a strike. President Bush also could intervene and try to force a settlement.
AMFA represents more than 9,600 aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Northwest. The union has been negotiating with the airline since June 1999. Prior to that, the mechanics were represented by the Machinists union, which had begun contract talks in October 1996.
For the latest on the negotiations, go to the AMFA website, www.amfa33.org
Related articles
Mediation Board schedules meeting with Northwest, AMFA