After losing more than $1 billion since 1980 and nearly going bankrupt in the process, Pan American World Airways (1984 revenues: $3.68 billion) was in no mood to compromise when some 5,700 Transport Workers Union mechanics, baggage handlers and other ground employees walked out three weeks ago. The carrier responded by selling its food-preparation unit to Marriott In-Flite, an airline caterer, thereby eliminating the jobs of 700 striking kitchen employees.
Last week the war of attrition between the largest U.S. overseas carrier and the strikers grew hotter. Weakened by the return to work of Pan Am's 1,400 pilots, the T.W.U. headed...
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