Bush Unlikely to Intercede in Event of Strike Against Airline

President Bush does not plan to block a threatened strike by mechanics at Northwest Airlines Corp. that could come as early as Saturday, the White House said Monday.

The disclosure came as the No. 4 airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assn. resumed talks in Washington on proposed givebacks that are part of the company’s plans to cut costs and avert bankruptcy.

The negotiations have been bitter, with the union accusing the company of bargaining in bad faith. Northwest says it must have hefty concessions.

Northwest is seeking $176 million in annual wage and benefit givebacks from the union representing mechanics, cleaners and custodians. This includes halving the number of its 5,400 union-represented mechanics.

Talks overseen by the National Mediation Board ended in July, triggering a 30-day cooling-off period that could lead to a strike by Saturday. The company has also threatened a lockout if the union refuses to agree on a cost-saving plan.

Federal labor law permits the president to intervene to prevent a walkout or lockout temporarily if the White House and administration labor advisors determine a job action would harm the economy.

Bush intervened or threatened to do so to avert strikes or facilitate settlements in other airline disputes early in his presidency. In March 2001, Bush blocked a threatened strike by the same union at Northwest. But the administration says it will not nullify a potential strike this time.

“The National Mediation Board has found that a labor action at Northwest Airlines would not present a substantial disruption of interstate commerce,” White House spokesman Trent Duffy said. “The administration does not dispute this conclusion based on current information, and the president is not creating a presidential emergency board.”

An emergency board would delay a strike or a lockout for up to 60 days and recommend a settlement.

Northwest had no comment on the White House announcement. It said it had contingency plans to keep flying in the event of a strike.

The union said it was not looking for Bush to help settle the dispute. “We’re ready to make our point. We’re ready to get it on and get it done,” said Jeff Mathews, a spokesman for the union.

Shares of Northwest closed up 15 cents at $4.17.