Northwest Airlines Corp. and the union representing its mechanics on Monday announced a tentative agreement that would end a 14-month strike at the carrier. The deal is a blow to the rogue Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which watched its ranks shrink from 4,400 active members to 880 replacements hired as mechanics, aircraft cleaners and maintenance workers. Under the proposed contract, replacement workers would keep their jobs, while striking workers would be able to resign or shift to layoff status and bid on future openings.
See "Deal set to end Northwest strike", John Schmeltzer, Chicago Tribune, October 9, 2006