AIRLINES

Judge Upholds Union Election at America West: The decision by U.S. District Judge Roger Strand quashes an attempt by America West Airlines to keep out the Teamsters. The Tempe, Ariz.-based airline had sued over the election result in which 377 fired workers voted along with 345 still working. Of those still working, 79% voted for the Teamsters, as did 82% of the laid-off workers. The union wants to bring back 500 airline mechanics who were fired when America West decided to contract for major maintenance work. The carrier said the fired workers were not eligible to vote, but the judge ruled that they were. The layoffs came as workers were organizing for the election, a sign, they argued, that the company was going after active union members. America West denied the allegation. The carrier said it might appeal the order requiring it to negotiate with the Teamsters.