Senate panel to question Northwest execs

Article by: MIKE KASZUBA , Star Tribune
Updated: February 15, 2008 - 1:00 PM

A leading senator wants to explore ways to protect Minnesota jobs in case of a Northwest-Delta merger and ensure that the state gets paid back for previous aid.

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Minnesota Senate President James Metzen said today that he would hold a hearing -- and possibly subpeona top Northwest Airlines officials -- to get answers regarding a possible merger with Delta Airlines and its effect on the state's economy.

Metzen, speaking to reporters, said Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar had already agreed to attend the hearing, which could take place late next week. Metzen chairs the Senate's Business, Industry and Jobs Committee, and said one possibility could be to see how the state might again help the airline financially.

With the possible merger appearing to be moving quickly, Metzen said, "we're going to find out what's going on." He said that if a merger meant that many Northwest employees would be transferred out of Minnesota, "I'm not very excited about that."

But Metzen, a South St. Paul DFLer, said his district was home to many Northwest employees, and added that "if it takes something [more] from the state, we'll look at that too."

However, he said state officials were also concerned about previous loans made to the airline. "We want to get paid. We got to find out how much money they borrowed from us, and what they paid back.

"This economy is already going down, spiraling down, and we can't afford to see Macy's leave" and also Northwest move. "At the same token, where's the -- I don't know if the word's loyalty or what," he said.

Mike Kaszuba • 612-673-4388

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