Union Says Northwest Asks for Bigger Cuts

Northwest Airlines Corp.’s striking mechanics union said the company wanted $203 million in pay, job and benefit concessions, an increase from the $176 million the carrier sought before the Aug. 20 walkout.

The company is seeking to cut as many as 1,330 more mechanic jobs, said Steve Sutherland, vice president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assn.’s Minneapolis local.

The offer also seeks to reduce pay as much as 28% for the remaining workers, said Bob Rose, the union’s Detroit local president.