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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Delta, Northwest Close to Merger After Revived Talks

But pilot dispute could put deal on the skids

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(Newser) – Delta and Northwest Airlines are readying a merger that could be announced as soon as Tuesday, reports the Wall Street Journal. But disputes over the deal’s financial terms and handling of pilot seniority threaten to scuttle the union. Negotiations between the two carriers broke down last week but were revived this weekend with the hope of reaching an agreement by tomorrow.

Neither side needs the approval of its combined 11,000 pilots to pursue a merger. But sources weren’t sure talks could proceed without their blessing, and acrimony with the labor groups could stall the already much-delayed deal, especially as it faces a Justice Department anti-trust review. The new company would be the airline industry's largest by traffic.

Delta Airlines hopes to resolve a seniority dispute with its pilots before settling on terms of a merger.
Delta Airlines hopes to resolve a seniority dispute with its pilots before settling on terms of a merger.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file)
Doug Steeland, CEO of Northwest Airlines, could unveil a merger with Delta Airlines by Tuesday.
Doug Steeland, CEO of Northwest Airlines, could unveil a merger with Delta Airlines by Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)
Delta and Northwest Airlines have restarted merger talks.
Delta and Northwest Airlines have restarted merger talks.   (AP Photo/Ric Feld, file)
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