Northwest mechanics to vote on deal that would end strike Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS - Striking Northwest Airlines mechanics said on Monday they will vote on a deal that would end their walkout and result in all of them being laid off, a move that should pave the way for them to get unemployment benefits. Northwest flew through the strike and eventually hired permanent replacements. Those replacements - including many union members who crossed the picket line - will keep their jobs, the union said. Strikers on a recall list would have a right to new openings, the union said. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said the vote would be conducted electronically. A timetable had not been set. Members who had crossed the picket line would not be allowed to vote. "If they vote to end their walkout and they go back to Northwest Airlines and Northwest lays them off they are eligible for unemployment benefits as soon as they apply," said Kit Borgman, a spokeswoman for the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The 115-day strike began Aug. 20 when more than 4,000 mechanics, cleaners and custodians walked out rather than accept deep layoffs and pay cuts. Northwest kept flying, eventually hiring 880 permanent replacements and giving the rest of AMFA's work to outside vendors. Under the agreement, Northwest would not contest unemployment claims by former strikers, the union said. "We are pleased that the AMFA leadership has announced a ratification vote on the latest contract proposal," Northwest spokesman Kurt Ebenhoch said. "A ratified agreement would end the mechanics strike and allow both parties to move forward." Roger & Amanda La France