Northwest Mechanics Authorize a Strike

Mechanics at Northwest Airlines Corp. said they had voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, a day after the airline, which is struggling to slash costs, declined arbitration.

Whether the mechanics will walk off the job depends on the next move by the National Mediation Board, which must first release the two sides from talks. The union and airline management have requested the move.

Northwest released a statement that said it still hoped to reach a consensual agreement with the mechanics union but was prepared to fly a full schedule if there was a strike.

Shares of Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest fell 4 cents to $4.63.

From Associated Press

* Alaska Airlines flight attendants voted to reject a tentative contract agreement reached with the airline in May and will return to the bargaining table to resume negotiations that have carried on for almost two years.