Major Airlines Embroiled in Contract Disputes

Labor disputes continued to dog three of the nation’s largest airlines. Flight attendants at American Airlines voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if a contract agreement can’t be reached with the carrier, while United Airlines took the standoff with its mechanics to a federal appeals court in hopes of barring a work slowdown. Meanwhile, the union representing Northwest Airlines mechanics said it has asked the National Mediation Board to restart negotiations with the airline in hopes of averting a strike. American and the union representing its 23,000 flight attendants have been negotiating a new contract for more than two years. Members of the Assn. of Professional Flight Attendants have periodically picketed to express displeasure at the airline’s offer for pay, retirement benefits and work rules.