Northwest Airlines and its mechanic's union are not able to come to
an agreement, and the workers have gone on strike
Mechanics have gone on strike against Northwest Airlines, 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.
The airline has been demanding that the union accept $176 million in pay and benefit cuts.
It isn't yet clear whether other unions at Northwest will honor a mechanics' picket line. Only flight attendants have appeared to seriously consider a sympathy strike. Results of the vote by flight attendants haven't been announced.
Over the past year and a half, Northwest has lined up about 1,200 replacement workers, plus 400 vendor employees and another 300 to 350 managers for a total replacement force of 1,900. And it has shifted to its slightly smaller fall schedule effective Saturday, earlier than usual.
Mechanic's union leaders have predicted that a strike will seriously disrupt the airline and passengers' flights.
Travelers with questions can call the airline at (800) 225-2525. The number is expected to be very busy, so expect a long wait if you call.
Here are tips to prepare for the strike:
If you want to change or cancel a flight, contact Northwest to see whether it
will waive penalties. Right now, the airline says normal penalties remain in
place. The usual penalty is $100 plus the difference in cost between an old
and new ticket.
Be sure to call ahead and reconfirm your flight 48 and 24 hours ahead of scheduled departure. Make an extra copy of your e-ticket. Be sure to sign up for flight-change notification.
If it's possible to drive to or from your destination, reserve a car at the airport. If you don't need it, you can always cancel.
If you have to fly somewhere, consider buying another ticket on another airline to use as backup.
If your flight is canceled, try to book another flight as soon as you can. Use your cell phone or computer, or -- if you have to -- stand in line at the ticket counter.
Northwest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that travelers don't need to worry about their safety now that mechanics are on strike.
FAA officials said the agency would be monitoring the situation closely.
Northwest said replacement workers and outside vendors would be handling maintenance on its fleet.