The latest attacks come as mechanics and other workers who walked out in August hold firm on the picket lines.

The airline, which has filed for bankruptcy protection, wants to keep just 3,100 workers on its payroll in the Twin Cities and Detroit hubs. In cities like Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles some 2,200 workers would become employees of a new subsidiary company called Ground Co. In places such as Philadelphia and Phoenix, the jobs of some 2,500 ground workers would be outsourced to other companies.

Employees remaining at the hubs will face a 9 percent pay cut. Those working for Ground Co. will have their wages reduced by 20 percent. Outsourced workers will see their pay slashed by 40 percent.

At the November 16 bankruptcy court hearing Northwest asked the judge to impose an immediate 19 percent temporary pay cut on all IAM members until the two sides come up with an agreement.

Meanwhile, the mechanics and cleaners, organized by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), who went out on strike in August, and their supporters continue to walk the picket lines here at the airport. They are publicizing a November 19 rally against union-busting.

At a November 7 meeting of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 789, three mechanics representing AMFA and two IAM members who are honoring the AMFA picket lines spoke. The local then voted to contribute $3,000 to aid the strikers.
 
 
Related articles:
Copper workers in Southwest push back company concessions
Return to work confident after four-month strike
Labor solidarity begins on picket line  
 
 
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