Northwest, Pilots in Tentative Accord

Northwest Airlines has reached tentative agreement on a long-term contract covering its 5,000 pilots, it was announced Friday.

The contract offers an immediate average 9.3% pay raise and 4% average pay increases in September of 1990, 1991 and 1992. It also includes improvements in wage equalization, job security and productivity, said Terry Erskine, vice president of law and labor relations for the carrier.

The contract would extend through March 1, 1994, combining under one contract former Republic Airlines pilots and longtime Northwest pilots. Northwest acquired Republic in 1986.