Four Airlines Facing Possible Strikes Soon

N E W   Y O R K, Feb. 6 -- The White House has suggested it might intervene if labor negotiations at four of the nation's major air carriers break down in strikes, President Bush said today.

United, American, Delta and Northwest airlines — which together handle about two-thirds of domestic air traffic — are in talks with various unions to stave off possible strikes. Northwest could face a strike by mechanics next month, while other deadlines are approaching in the spring.

Officials are concerned any or all of these negotiations could devolve into strikes within a short time, crippling the nation's air industry.

"If four major airlines were on strike at the same time, the country would come to a halt," says aviation economist Darryl Jenkins.

Speaking during a visit to a toy store in McLean, Va., to promote his tax plan, Bush urged the airlines and labor to work out their differences.

"I am worried about strikes at airlines. … It could have a harmful effect on our economy," said Bush, adding that he would "explore all options" if the sides cannot reach agreement.

"The president's got some opportunities if they're unable to do so," Bush said.

The White House has already begun conferring with the National Mediation Board, and is exploring the formation of a presidential emergency board, which could force an end to a potential strike.

Sources say the airlines are pressuring the president to get involved. Given the potential for mayhem, he may have little choice.

Still, Capt. Andy Deane of the Delta chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association doesn't think a presidential emergency board would prevent a strike: "It will delay it for approximately 60 days, [but] it doesn't really help the situation in our view."

After Giving Concessions, Unwilling to Concede?

Representatives for Northwest and its machinists union met in Washington for talks throughout Monday night and will resume their meeting today.

Unions granted wage concessions to the carrier in the 1990s, when Northwest was near bankruptcy. Now the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is on the verge of a strike after four years of negotiations. (The mechanics are the only Northwest employees still operating without a contract.)