MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Union pilots filed a complaint with Northwest Airlines Corp. after the carrier used a charter company Wednesday for two scheduled Northwest flights.þþNorthwest has said it could use planes and pilots from Champion Air as part of a contingency plan if its mechanics go on strike.þþWill Holman, spokesman for the Northwest chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, called the flights from Detroit to Dallas and back ''a clear violation'' of Northwest's pilot contract. He said Mark McClain, chairman of the Northwest pilots union, contacted Northwest CEO Doug Steenland and ''told him to cease and desist from further violations of our contract.''þþThe union filed its grievance with Northwest officials. ALPA represents pilots at both Northwest and Champion, which flies college and professional sports teams and military personnel.þþIn a statement, Northwest said it invoked its contingency plan ''due to an abnormally high level of aircraft that are currently out of service. The use of Champion Airlines to fly a very limited number of flights is part of our commitment to serve our customers.''þþNorthwest spokesman Kurt Ebenhoch would not confirm details or comment beyond the statement, except to say Northwest is discussing the matter with its pilots union.þþBoth Eagan-based Northwest and Champion have said Champion could operate some Northwest flights if mechanics go on strike after 12:01 a.m. EDT on Aug. 20. Champion, a unit of Bloomington-based Grand Holdings Inc., has a fleet of 16 Boeing 727s. Airlines contract with Champion for backup flight coverage, but Champion spokesman Jon Austin said he didn't know if Northwest had previously done so.þþNorthwest has said it wants a total of $1.1 billion in annual savings, including $176 million from mechanics. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association has offered temporary cuts it says would add up to $143 million a year, which Northwest disputes.þþNorthwest, the nation's fourth-largest airline, has said it plans to maintain a full schedule if mechanics strike. Mediated talks are set to resume Monday in Washington after breaking off last week.þþ
Source: NY Times
