Northwest Seeks OK to Reject Union Contracts

Northwest Airlines Corp. asked a bankruptcy judge for permission to reject union contracts, starting a countdown for workers to either make a deal or live with pay cuts imposed by the company.

Union leaders had expected the move and have said they would negotiate rather than let the company impose its terms. Northwest said it was willing to negotiate around-the-clock.

Bankruptcy rules give the unions up to 51 days before Northwest can impose its terms.