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By Jesse Russell

The friendly skies have become a little less so for workers at Northwest Airlines. On Monday, NWA management refused binding arbitration which could lead to members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association walking off the job in less then 30 days. AMFA President Ted Ludwig says the union is prepared to strike even though the airline is alleged to have more than 400 replacement workers already on the books. Northwest CEO Douglas Steenland says the company will cut labor costs, even if it means filing for bankruptcy protection. The union is trying to prevent layoffs, keep jobs in this country and reduce proposed benefit cuts.