Mechanics at bankrupt Northwest Airlines rejected a settlement proposal that would have ended a strike that began in August, the workers' union said on Friday.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association reported on its web site that 56.59 percent of its voting members rejected the deal that would have granted them 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, four weeks of layoff pay, and payment of accrued vacation time.
Northwest, which filed for bankruptcy in September, has continued flying since the strike began using replacement labor.
The workers walked off the job in August after failing to reach a contract with Northwest.

"We are disappointed that members of AMFA have declined ratification of the company's latest contract proposal," Northwest said in a statement. "A ratified agreement would have ended the mechanics' strike and allowed both parties to move forward."

AMFA represents about 4,400 mechanics and related employees at Northwest, but only 2,223 voted, the union said.

Workers have been picketing at airports used by Northwest, although some have gotten new jobs or crossed the picket line.
AMFA issued no immediate statement other than to say that the strike would continue. Northwest on Thursday said it made a loss of USD$64.5 million for the month of November, on operating revenue of USD$947 million. The loss comes on top of USD$346 million in losses the airline reported in the period September 14, when the airline filed for bankruptcy, to the end of October.

(Source; Reuters 30.dec.2005)