Strike Limits Northwest Flights

Aug. 21–Northwest Airlines cut about 25 percent of its 1,600 daily flights nationwide because of the mechanics’ strike yesterday, but continued to offer flights — albeit delayed — out of the area’s three major airports.

Northwest’s mechanics, plane cleaners and building custodians walked out after failed efforts to reach a deal to cut costs and avoid possible bankruptcy.

The carrier said it replaced more than 4,000 striking employees with 1,500 temporary workers and contractors. Pilots and flight attendants remained on the job.

Northwest said things were going well despite the walkout. “We are having a normal operation day with good on-time performance,” said spokeswoman Tracy Carlson.

But at LaGuardia, most Northwest flights were delayed by late afternoon, and passenger Brad Nitkim wasn’t happy.

“They absolutely lied to us on the telephone today,” said a disgusted Nitkim, 58. “The recording says that all flights are going to be on time, and because of that I decided not to switch to another airline.”

In Detroit, a Northwest plane blew out four tires as it landed on a runway, and another made an emergency landing after smoke was reported in the cabin. No one was hurt, and the airline said neither incident was linked to the strike.

By Ned Colby and Celeste Katz

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