But that deal did not bring the union close to levels at other airlines.

Then there was the competition, the men and women who worked at other airlines.

At most airlines today, a change in the food service means ending it.

At most other airlines, however, the insiders did little or nothing.

"But if you look at other airlines, their labor costs are essentially the same."

None of that is very different from recent disputes at other major airlines.

Continental employees are already doing a lot, and for less pay than most workers at other airlines.

He said it would hurt the bargaining position of the union at other airlines.

As a result, he said, the March report did not include recent job losses at airlines and elsewhere.

Northwest says the replacement workers have 5 to 10 years of experience at other major airlines.