Judge to rule on Mesaba Aviation
Decision involves rejecting union contracts

By Matt Franklin

MID MICHIGAN (WJRT) - (05/17/06)--The clock is ticking as an airline that services Mid Michigan works to beat a deadline and reach an agreement with its unions on wage and benefit cuts.

Thursday a federal bankruptcy judge is expected to rule on whether Mesaba Aviation, a carrier for Northwest Airlines, can reject union contracts.

Wednesday some airline employees were holding a series of informational pickets across the state.

Employees say they are upset that the company is proposing wage-and-benefit cuts they say could put them at poverty level. If an agreement is not met, workers say they are ready to strike.

Wednesday morning, a group of pilots, flight attendants and mechanics held an informational picket in front of Bishop International Airport.

Airport officials say as of now two Mesaba flights fly out of Bishop under Northwest Airlines. The group also held pickets in Lansing and Kalamazoo.

Mesaba filed for Chapter 11 late last year. Employees say the company is demanding more than 19 percent in pay and benefit cuts over the next six years.

Also, employees would see a 66 percent increase in health care premiums. Under the proposal by the airline, a first-year flight attendant could gross about $11,000.

Mesaba's parent company says the bankruptcy was prompted by cash shortages. Employees say all they want is a livable wage.

A decision by the court is expected by Thursday.