Aviation workers picket White House over Norwegian Air

Norwegian Air International, a low-fare airline that recently won its first step toward approval for flights to the US, drew protests Thursday from rival workers who contend the bargain jets would skirt labor and safety laws. Hundreds of aviation workers chanting "Deny NAI" picketed in front of the White House on Thursday. Unions for pilots, flight attendants and mechanics claim Norwegian Air International, a subsidiary of the low-cost European carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle, located its headquarters in Ireland to dodge tough Norwegian labor laws that prohibit them from hiring contract pilots who may work for lower wages. The airline denies the charges. The company said it hired 400 US crew members based in New York and Florida over the past two years as its application was under review by the Department of Transportation. The airline has 80 workers based in Dublin and 37 aircraft registered in Ireland. Norwegian Air Shuttle officials said its low-cost carrier would increase trans-Atlantic competition without sacrificing safety. The airline said it would hire either U.S.-based or European-based crew for all its trans-Atlantic flights.<br/>