Time is running out on negotiations that could see air service shut down for Mason City, Clear Lake and Fort Dodge. Mesaba Airline Pilots are threatening to strike on Saturday if they do not get a new contract. Mason City Interim Airport Manager Pam Osgood says those involved in the talks aren’t saying much. Very little information is being given out, other than the strike date is January 10th. Osgood says things could go right up to the last minute. She says she’s sure the bewitching hour is midnight tonight. If the strike would occur, all flights in and out of the Mason City airport would be put on hold indefinitely. She says they hope for the best that they’ll reach a settlement and not go on strike. Northwest Airlines spokesperson Mary Stants says the airline is giving customers with tickets for Mesaba Airlines flights a chance to make changes just in case Mesaba’s pilots go on strike late tonight. Any ticket issued prior to January 7th for a between today and the 17th of this month can be re-booked now until February 9th without change fees. The negotiations with the Mesaba pilots have been going on for the better part of two years.
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