Mechanics and cleaners at Northwest Airlines Corp. have voted to end their 15-month strike, approving an agreement with the bankrupt airline that could allow some of the union's members to eventually regain their jobs. Members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association walked off the job in August 2005 instead of agreeing to cuts the airline said it needed to remain competitive. Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest eventually filed for Chapter 11 protection and replaced the workers with new hires and contractors. The deal would allow AMFA members to apply for future job openings at the airline, or qualify for higher severance rates. The win is the latest in a series of victories for the bankrupt airline, which has been struggling with union opposition toward cost cutting. Earlier in the year, the troubled airline successfully thwarted its flight attendants from striking. — Lou Whiteman
See story from St. Paul Pioneer Press
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