Members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, on strike since Aug. 19, will vote soon on a Northwest Airlines offer that preserves the jobs of only about 500 members.

The union's negotiating committee decided to present the company's offer after meeting with management Thursday and Friday.

"This is not a tentative agreement," union negotiator Jeff Mathews told members. "We agreed to put the company's offer to you for a decision."

The offer, which is worse than the one issued before the walkout began, is likely to be onerous to strikers. Northwest management will choose who remains employed "with seniority being one factor," according to information issued by AMFA.

Those who keep their jobs will work alongside an equal number of replacement employees ? "scabs" ? hired after the strike began. The approximately 3,500 AMFA members who do not go back to work will receive four weeks of severance pay.

The union is awaiting the full text of the proposal from the company. Voting will then take two weeks, the union said.

"Quite possibly this could be your last vote on this property and your opportunity to tell the company and industry where you stand," Mathews told members. "This is not a sellout by AMFA or your negotiating committee; this is a chance to vote your destiny."

For more information
Visit the Workday Minnesota special section, NWA strike