AMFA Members Reject Northwest Airlines Settlement Offer.

LACONIA, N.H. -- Striking members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) rejected Northwest Airlines' settlement offer today by a vote of 1258 no votes (57 percent) to 965 yes votes (43 percent). AMFA National Director O.V. Delle-Femine commented on the outcome:

"This is a victory for AMFA members and for unionism. Our striking members refused to bow down to Northwest's arrogant, self-enriching management and will continue the strike against this renegade, union-busting airline. AMFA members approved recent agreements with Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and even United Airlines in bankruptcy. Only Northwest's management is out to deny all its employees a living wage while awarding themselves millions in frivolous bonuses.

"ALPA, IAM and the flight attendants should take note that their failure to support AMFA encouraged Northwest to come after them in the same way and did not weaken our resolve to fight for our rights with dignity and professionalism.

"Unions outside of Northwest, especially the UAW and others who have lent us financial and moral support, can take pride in the fact that the vast majority of AMFA members have never faltered even in the face of extraordinary economic pressure. Many of our Northwest members have gone on to better things than working for the unreformed Scrooges on this airline's management team, but continue to support our brave strikers in person or in other ways. I could not be prouder."

AMFA's craft union is the largest labor organization in the airline industry representing aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel with over 18,000 members at carriers including Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, ATA, Independence, Horizon and Mesaba Airlines. AMFA's credo is "Safety in the air begins with Quality Maintenance on the Ground". To learn more about AMFA, visit: www.amfanatl.org.