Northwest Pilots Authorize Ballot on Strike

The Northwest pilots union voted unanimously to take a ballot of its entire pilot group to authorize a strike. The exact timing of the ballot was left to the discretion of Master Executive Council chairman. This action by the NWA MEC comes after a failure to reach an agreement with Northwest's management. If the union and management are unable reach an agreement, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruling on whether or not to reject the pilot contract is expected to follow no later than Feb. 16. If that happens, Northwest could unilaterally impose terms and conditions on its pilots, which they say will give them the right to strike. Northwest says it needs more concessions to improve its financial situation.