Pilot Strike Theatens Air Service in Grand Rapids

January 7, 2004

Pilot Strike Theatens Air Service in Grand Rapids 
Grand Rapids Herald Review, MI


Negotiations are still underway, but thus far have not yielded a settlement 
between Mesaba Airlines and its pilots. 

If no agreement is reached by Friday at 11:01 p.m., pilots could go on strike, 
shutting down air service in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, St. 
Cloud, Bemidji, Brainerd and Thief River Falls, where Mesaba is the only 
company providing service. 

Other airports, like Duluth, could see a reduction in flight service. 

According to a report in the International Falls Daily Journal, the main issues 
that still separate the two sides are job security, wages and benefits. 

While everyone is hoping for the best, Airport Manager Mark Hoyne said 
passengers should be prepared. 

“No one wants to go on strike. It’s the last step labor has to get 
management to see their point of view,” he said. “(But) the closer (the 
deadline) gets, the more likely a strike becomes.” 

A strike would not only impact passengers, but several Mesaba employees who 
work at the Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport. 

Hoyne said that are more than a dozen, one full-time and about 12 part-time, 
employees who would be affected. 

“If they strike, Mesaba employees will be laid off for the duration,” said 
Hoyne. 

The airport itself, also will lose if a strike takes place. 

Hoyne stated that he expects Mesaba to continue to honor their lease, but the 
airport would still lose about $100 per day in fees it collects for fuel sold, 
the number of passengers boarding and tons of airplane which land at the 
airport. 

But, he added, the “soft” costs to the community could be much greater. 

Hoyne said that the airport boards about 400-500 passengers per month at this 
time of the year and the estimated economic impact of each passenger is about 
$1,000. 

“It could mean a loss of $400,000 to $500,000 a month in the local economy 
that’s impacted,” he said. 

Passengers will likely incur additional costs too. 

Northwest pilots, said Hoyne, will honor the Mesaba strike routes, making the 
closest options for travelers Duluth or the Twin Cities. 

He strongly recommends that those who hold tickets contact Northwest Airlines 
to obtain information about policy and what to do with a purchased ticket if a 
strike takes place. 

Those with questions should call the Northwest Customer Service and ticketing 
number at 1-800-225-2525. 
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