Judge Rules Mesaba Can Reject Contracts
By CHRIS WILLIAMS , 10.16.2006, 04:41 PM

A bankruptcy judge ruled on Monday that Mesaba Aviation Inc. can reject its union contracts with workers, a legal step toward a showdown that could result in a strike this week at the Northwest Airlines Corp. feeder.

Judge Gregory Kishel's ruling said Mesaba can impose terms on Wednesday, a day after he's scheduled to hear the airline's request for an injunction against a strike.

Mesaba has said it will impose terms on its 1,140 pilots, mechanics and flight attendants if given the legal right to do so. Unions have said they will strike rather than accept the proposed work rule changes and pay cuts.

Mesaba flies to nearly 100 cities in America and Canada, funneling passengers to Northwest's hubs in Minneapolis, Detroit and Memphis, Tenn. It's the only air carrier serving some of those cities.



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