In what could be seen as a major blow to organized labor, Northwest Airlines announced this morning plans to begin hiring replacement workers permanently. Workers striking against the airline have been told that if they return to their jobs by tomorrow, they may not be laid off. The workers, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association walked off the job August 20.

After talks collapsed on Sunday AMFA chief negotiator Jeff Matthews told the Detroit News, "Out of the $1.4 billion in labor cost savings target, the company let this opportunity skip away over $10 million (severance costs), clearly reflecting the fact that the issue is not money but the company is intent on driving this work group into the ground and keeping the heel of its boot on each of our throats."

AMFA vows to continue to picket even as new workers are hired to replace members. Other airline unions have been unwilling to stand in solidarity with the striking mechanics and have crossed their picket lines.