Northwest pilots vote on strike
© Northwest AirlinesNorthwest Airlines' pilots began voting yesterday on whether to call a strike over a pension and pay dispute. The vote is expected to last for 15 days, and should the airline's pilots decide to strike, it could spell delays and cancellations for travelers.
Pilots and cabin crew are threatening to strike because the airline is trying to impose new pay, job protection, and pension regimes that will see staff lose out.
Speaking on behalf of the flight attendants, Karen Schultz explained to The Detroit News that striking is "our absolute last resort" but union members feel they need to get a deal done.
The pilots' union involved in the dispute represents 5,000 Northwest pilots. If the highly trained staff settle on a walkout it is unclear how the airline could sustain a normal service.
"Northwest pilots understand the serious nature of a strike, but we will defend ourselves with all available 'self-help' options up to and including the complete withdrawal of pilot services from Northwest Airlines," explained Mark McClain, chairman of the pilots' union.
The issue will come to a head this Friday (February 17) when a court rules on whether Northwest will be granted powers to force through its proposed changes to pilots' working conditions.
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