Decision Comes Hours Before Court Ruling On Contract

Northwest Airlines hopes the second time is the charm for a new contract deal with its baggage handlers and ramp workers. Early Friday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced a tentative agreement had been reached between the airline and the union, which represents 5,600 Equipment Service & Stock Clerks (ESSC) at the bankrupt airline.

The agreement -- which, like a similar deal ratified by Northwest's pilots earlier this month, would mean drastic cuts to pay and benefits in the name of slashing the bankrupt airline's labor expenses --  is the second time the union and airline have brokered a deal. That earlier agreement was soundly rejected by workers, however.

Once again, the union is asking its workers to accept the deal -- not because it is right or fair, perhaps, but rather because it would keep them on the job.

"The negotiating committee unanimously recommends ratification of the agreement to avoid the elimination of our contract," said Bobby DePace, president of District 143 of IAMAW, after the agreement was reached. "We are not recommending ratification because the terms are favorable, but because the alternative is worse."

That alternative -- a walkout -- is still being considered by the union membership, however.

Just as the IAMAW is preparing a handout detailing the terms of the deal to affected workers, the union is also preparing to hold a simultaneous strike authorization vote... in case, DePace said, the agreement is rejected once again by the union, and it current contract is tossed out.

In a prepared statement, Northwest said it is pleased an agreement was reached. "We hope that our equipment service employees and stock clerks will ratify the agreement," the airline said.

News of the agreement came hours before Judge Allan Gropper was to consider whether to allow Northwest to toss out its current contract with the union, and impose its own cuts unilaterally.

FMI: www.iamaw.org, www.nwa.com