Mechanics and Northwest Airlines have resumed mediated negotiations, the first time in two months the sides have met to try to resolve a contract that has been open since 1996.

The Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association and Eagan-based Northwest exchanged revised economic proposals on Dec. 21 in the presence of the National Mediation Board, which oversees labor relations in the airline industry. The board then scheduled a full week of negotiations in Washington, D.C., this week.

The mediation board had broken off negotiations on Nov. 2, and Northwest has refused to bargain without mediators present.

AMFA, an independent union, represents an estimated 9,400 Northwest mechanics, cleaners and custodians at 10 airports nationwide, including about 5,000 in Local 33 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

In the preliminary revised proposals, AMFA is seeking initial raises in the base pay rate of 29 percent for mechanics and 25 percent for custodians and cleaners, with a 4 percent raise in each of the following four years. Northwest is offering 17 percent initially for mechanics and 10 percent for cleaners and custodians, with 3 percent annual raises after that.

AMFA's proposal would raise the hourly base rate for a five-year mechanic to $33.45; Northwest's would raise it to $26.33.

This article was written for the Jan. 10 issue of The Union Advocate newspaper. Used by permission. The Union Advocate is the official publication of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly. E-mail The Advocate at: advocate@mtn.org