Flight-attendant strike at Northwest blocked

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge in New York on Friday granted Northwest Airlines' request for an injunction to prohibit flight attendants from engaging in targeted strikes against the carrier.

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero's decision comes three weeks after he temporarily barred flight attendants from going on strike. At that time, attendants were ready to begin a campaign of walkouts on selected flights.

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) has fought to preserve the right of flight attendants to strike because it would enhance the union's bargaining power.

"We believe this decision is obviously an incorrect reading of the law and the rights of workers in the United States. We will appeal," David Borer, AFA general counsel, said in a statement.

Flight attendants have rejected two tentative agreements with management of the bankrupt carrier that included deep concessions. Northwest imposed pay rates and work rules on the attendants July 31, the day the second deal was rejected.

The flight attendants have been working under pay cuts for about 10 months. Their former union agreed to temporary pay cuts in November.

It is unclear when the two parties will return to the bargaining table.