Washington, D.C. September 14, 2005 – “The IAM is prepared to defend our members and their interests throughout the bankruptcy process,” said Robert Roach, Jr., General Vice President of Transportation for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) following the announcement that Northwest Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
“Today’s filing is unfortunate, but not unexpected to anyone familiar with the airline,” said Roach. “We have assembled a team of attorneys, economists and IAM Representatives with a wealth of airline bankruptcy experience and resources to ensure our members are treated fairly and their rights protected both in the courtroom and at the bargaining table.”
“The IAM will not allow Northwest’s bankruptcy to alter our goal of reaching a fair and equitable agreement for our members,” said IAM District 143 President Bobby DePace. “We want Northwest to succeed, but not at an unreasonable cost to our members.”
The Machinists Union’s collective bargaining agreements with Northwest Airlines became amendable on February 25, 2003, and the IAM has been in mediated negotiations with Northwest Airlines since August 26, 2003.
IAM District 143 represents 14,200 Northwest Airlines employees in the Equipment Service, Office & Clerical, Passenger Service, Plant Protection and Flight Simulator Operator classifications. More information about the Machinists Union at Northwest Airlines is available on the District 143 website, www.iam143.org.
