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Walkout by 3,500 Cancels All Flights Of National Airlines

Walkout by 3,500 Cancels All Flights Of National Airlines
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February 1, 1970, Page 58Buy Reprints
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MIAMI, Jan. 31 (UPI) — Na tional Airlines canceled 450 flights serving 43 United States cities today as more than 3,500 members of the Airline Em ployes Association went on strike.

Talks resumed in Washington this morning in an effort to resolve the contract dispute. Pickets marched at National's headquarters at Miami Interna tional Airport, where 60 planes were grounded, and at other major airports from coast to coast.

The talks were later recessed for 72 hours after both sides had “solidified” their positions.

The strike directly involved reservations personnel, clerks, ramp attendants and equipment operators, but other employes were honoring the picket lines.

“Tickets are honored by other airlines, so there is no problem,” a National spokesman said.

The strike was called at mid night after the Washington talks broke down last night.

Victor J. Herbert, president of the Airline Employes Associa tion, said the big issue was wages. The union had asked for a one‐year extension of the con tract with a 15 per cent raise. The company was holding out for an 18 per cent raise over 40 months.

Mr. Herbert's comments brought a sharp response from J. M. Rosenthal, vice president for industrial relations for Na tional.

Mr. Rosenthal said that “If Mr. Herbert made that state ment [that the demand was for a 15 per cent increase] he is guilty of lying to the public and lying to the employes of Na tional Who he represents.” Mr. Rosenthal said the union's wage demands at the moment the talks broke off exceeded 30 per cent in wages alone dur ing the first year of the con tract.

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