=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2004/10/08/f= inancial1331EDT0158.DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, October 8, 2004 (AP) Northwest Airlines pilots say concessions deal could be close JOSHUA FREED, AP Business Writer (10-08) 16:30 PDT MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Pilots at Northwest Airlines said a deal on concessions could come "in t= he very near future," putting the airline within striking distance of savings it has said are key to its future. But officials from the Air Line Pilots Association warned that the deal could still fall through, too. The union had said previously that Northwest wanted $300 million in concessions, versus a $200 million proposal from pilots. On Friday, the union released a newsletter update saying both sides have moved from those positions, although it didn't specify by how much. "A significant difference remains in our positions," the union said. ALPA spokesman Will Holman declined to say how much the two sides had moved, or whether the movement involved pay or work rules. The union update sounded cautious: "It is entirely possible this process will not lead to a satisfactory agreement. However, if we continue to see progress at the table and the necessary pieces fall into place, it is conceivable we could conclude an agreement in the very near future." The union also said it is in "active negotiations" over its proposed restrictions on increases in management compensation. "Not surprisingly, management is resistant to some of ALPA's proposals in this area," the union said. Northwest spokesman Thomas Becher said the airline does not comment on labor negotiations. The airline has said it needs $950 million in labor concessions to be competitive. Northwest's pilots have been the first group to offer concessions, although negotiations are also under way with the union that represents ground workers. Contracts for mechanics and flight attendants come open next year. Other airlines have been slashing employee costs, too. United Airlines c= ut labor expenses last year by more than $2.5 billion annually, and wants another $1 billion in cutbacks. Delta Air Lines want $1 billion in concessions from its pilots. Shares of Northwest Airlines Corp. closed down 8 cents at $7.96 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2004 AP