"Northwest pilots understand the serious nature of a strike, but we will defend ourselves with all available 'self-help' options up to and including the complete withdrawal of pilot services from Northwest Airlines," said Mark McClain, chairman of the carrier's chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association.
Northwest has asked a U.S. bankruptcy judge in New York to throw out the pilots' contract to save money and restructure. A decision by the court could come by Feb. 17, but the airline and the union could agree to an extension of that deadline.
Weeks of negotiations between pilots and Northwest management on a concession agreement have led to little if any progress, the union said. Pilots say they still want a negotiated settlement.
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