Northwest, Delta merger could hurt unions, cost jobs

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/BUSINESS05/801170437

January 17, 2008

By MARGARITA BAUZA

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

A merger between Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines could threaten the union status of Northwest employees because Delta's workforce is largely nonunion, industry observers told the Free Press on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Northwest confirmed to him that the airline has begun formal discussions with Delta and will look elsewhere if Delta tries to merge with United Airlines. Delta, based in Atlanta, is said to be in discussions with both carriers.

Oberstar said he will fight a merger because it will limit options for passengers.

Some say much more is at stake.

A marriage involving Delta and Northwest -- the largest passenger carrier at Metro Airport -- stands to jeopardize the union status of thousands of Northwest employees, said Terry Trippler, a Minneapolis-based airline expert.

"I don't think any merger is going to give anyone a pay raise," he said.

FULL story at link.

They do not fly the same equipment except for the 757
Northwest flies mostly old DC-9's and airbus equipment Dc-9/30/40/50 757-200/300 A-320 A-330
Delta flies all Boeing 737-800 MD-88 757 767-200/300/400 777


:hi:

My face hurts.


Deregulation, got to love it.