Northwest Airlines Seeks More Job Cuts, Gets Set for Possible Strike

In a bid to cut labor cost, Northwest Airlines said earlier this week it is negotiating a labor deal for mechanics, and is seeking temporary workers to hire in case of a strike.

Northwest proposed to cut an additional 2031 jobs to the 4400 it earlier announced and is currently implementing.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) said the airline had also asked its remaining mechanics to take a 26 percent cut in their base pay.

The airline also seeks to renegotiate its contracts with all other unions in a bid to cut costs to fend off competition and the high fuel prices.