AMFA Local 14 Says Five Technician Positions Will Be Re-Staffed Following Arbitration Win Vs. Northwest Airlines.

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2003

Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 14, representing Northwest Airlines (Nasdaq:NWAC) technicians, cleaners and custodians, today announced that five previously eliminated aircraft technician positions will soon be re-staffed, most likely by Christmas of this year, thanks to a recent arbitration decision favoring the union over the airline.

"The arbitrator upheld our position that Northwest had no right to eliminate the jobs of these skilled aircraft technicians and try to have the work performed by non-airline technicians," said John Osborne, AMFA Local 14 airline representative. "Under the terms of our contract, the arbitrator affirmed, this work must be performed by our skilled technicians."

The arbitration agreement also requires Northwest to cover moving expenses for any of the five laid-off employees returning to Portland to resume their jobs.

"This is a victory not only for these unfairly laid-off Portland employees, but for all of us who stick to the rules and expect our employers to do the same. It shows what people can accomplish, working together, when our rights are violated," Osborne said.