Eastern Airlines is calling for pay cuts...

Eastern Airlines is calling for pay cuts and a separate class of employees in a contract proposal for its machinists’ union, measures that executives say are needed for the carrier to achieve long-term profitability. Under the proposed three-year contract, wage cuts would affect some 12,000 employees represented by the International Assn. of Machinists, including mechanics and ground service workers. New pay rates would be based on skill levels, and the proposed contract would create a new employee category for Eastern’s 6,400 baggage handlers and plane cleaners.