threat this spring as four leading US airlines head towards strike action.

Delta and American Airlines, which both fly to the Island, are among four US airlines locked in labour relations disputes which threaten to spill over into strikes.

President George Bush has already pleaded with workers and management in the airlines, who carry two thirds of the 588 million domestic American passengers, to come to an agreement because of the severe blow it could be to the US economy.

"I am worried about strikes at airlines. ... It could have a harmful effect on our economy,'' said President Bush yesterday.

In the next few months, Delta will have to settle with its pilots, American with its flight attendants and United and Northwest with their mechanics.

The prospect of major disruptions during spring break travel and summer vacations has attracted the attention of the White House, which last week began conferring with the National Mediation Board, the government agency that oversees labour relations in the airline and railroad industries.

The first pending strike could come as early as next month if an agreement is not reached between Northwest Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents about 9,500 mechanics and cleaners.

Both sides met Monday afternoon with National Mediation Board mediators and talked through the night until about noon Tuesday, said Steve Lanier, union secretary.

United Airlines also is in dispute with its mechanics, and both sides are being called back to the National Mediation Board next week.

At Delta Air Lines, the 9,500 pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association International also are seeking to be released from mediated talks to strike if an agreement is not reached.

The union said it plans to release results of a strike authorisation vote on Friday, and pilots could strike as early as April 1 if mediated talks are ended.

At American Airlines, the 23,000 flight attendants will announce strike vote results February 23. Directors of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants ordered the vote last month. But the flight attendants, like the other airline workers, can't legally strike unless federal mediators end negotiations.

Neither Tourism Minister David Allen nor Shadow Minister David Dodwell could be contacted for comment last night.

UNIONS UNS