Northwest Airlines has proposed cutting approximiately half its mechanics' jobs and reducing the pay of its remaining workers by 26 percent, in an effort to stem losses. During contract negotiations, the airline proposed the cuts, which would save the company $176.2 million. The president of the Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association deemed any such agreement a "suicide pact."
See "Northwest Proposes Job, Pay Cuts to Stem Losses", Bloomberg News, Los Angeles Times, May 23, 2005