Northwest Airlines, embroiled in contentious union negotiations, is seeking flight attendants to replace those who may walk off the job if talks break down.
An advertisement on a job search web site, is soliciting applicants for a program that trains flight attendants. The posting, dated June 6, asks candidates to complete a pre-screening interview by June 12.
"Individuals who successfully complete flight attendant training may be offered employment in the event of a labor dispute or strike," the ad says.
Similar advertisements appeared in at least one newspaper as well. Northwest is bracing for a possible strike arising from contract negotiations. The carrier is seeking USD$1.1 billion in annual labor savings.
The airline has asked the flight attendants for USD$148 million in annual savings, said Jeff Gardner, vice president of the Professional Flight Attendants Association.
"It doesn't appear to be good-faith bargaining," Gardner said. "We've only had 13 face-to-face meetings with the company."
Gardner said it is premature for Northwest to brace for a strike, considering that there has been no formal strike threat issued.
The airline, however, has said it must prepare for a possible dispute that could result in a strike.
"Northwest is aware of significant strike planning activity underway at several of its unions," the carrier said in a statement. "If one of its unions chooses to strike the carrier or engage in job actions with the intent of causing disruption at some point in the future, Northwest must be prepared to protect its operations."
Negotiations have been underway since April, Gardner said. The flight attendants' contract became amendable on June 1.
On May 25, Northwest announced it would recall 695 furloughed flight attendants beginning July 31 due to anticipated staffing needs for the second half of 2005.
Last week the union representing Northwest's mechanics said the airline has hired about 400 mechanics to replace those who may strike if negotiations on a deal fail. The airline, however, has denied that it has hired replacement workers.
Northwest has said that while it prefers to settle any contract disputes through negotiations, it has "developed contingency plans to be prepared for any eventuality."
The Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association said last week that Northwest has declared an impasse in negotiations and has asked the National Mediation Board to release the parties from mediation, calling for a 30 day cooling off period.
AMFA has until June 8 to respond to the request. The Railway Labor Act prohibits airline employees from striking while in mediated contract negotiations.
