Northwest Airlines Faces Backlash Over Potential Deal with Airbus

Reports suggest that Northwest Airlines is planning to outsource its Duluth aircraft maintenance base to European private contractor Airbus, a move that could lead to the loss of jobs for Minnesota employees. According to officials from the Aircraft Maintenance Fraternal Association (AMFA), Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) was spotted in a private meeting with Northwest officials at the Airport Hilton in Bloomington, sparking concerns that a deal is indeed in the works. AMFA representatives claim that Airbus personnel have been visiting the Duluth base, and that local employees are being kept in the dark about the potential changes.

Key Takeaways:

• Northwest Airlines is reportedly planning to outsource its Duluth aircraft maintenance base to Airbus, a move that could lead to significant job losses for Minnesota employees.
• Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) was seen in a private meeting with Northwest officials, fueling speculation that a deal is in the works.
• AMFA officials claim that Airbus personnel have been visiting the Duluth base, and that local employees are being kept in the dark about the potential changes.
• Congressman Oberstar is a strong advocate for preserving jobs for Minnesota workers and is expected to fight for the rights of local employees.
• The deal between Northwest Airlines and Airbus would involve the closure of the Duluth maintenance base, with jobs potentially being outsourced to out-of-state workers.
• The Aircraft Maintenance Fraternal Association (AMFA) is calling on Congressman Oberstar to ensure that local employees are brought into the discussions before any deal is concluded.

Statistics:

• None reported in this article.

Sources:

• Chris Anderson, president of AMFA Local 35 in Duluth
• Ted Ludwig, president of Twin Cities-based AMFA Local 33
• Aircraft Maintenance Fraternal Association (AMFA)
• Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN)