November 20, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

RE: NORTHWEST AIRLINES

96 Percent of eligible voters cast valid ballots

The National Mediation Board announced today the tally of the ballots cast in the representation election to determine the collective bargaining representative for 9504 mechanics and related employees of Northwest Airlines. The labor organizations on the ballot were the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW) and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). The IAM&AW was the incumbent representative and AMFA was the applicant. The tally of the ballots was as follows:

For IAM&AW	3,905
For AMFA	5,160
Other Votes	14
Total Valid Ballots Cast	9,079

The above election tally was reported to the Board. To have a valid election, under NMB election procedures, valid votes must be cast from more than 50 percent of those eligible to vote. The election tally is not official until the Board certifies the results, which ordinarily follows within several days.

The NMB will not comment further on the election until final disposition. For context and general information concerning NMB representation procedures, refer to the NMB Web page www.nmb.gov.