The approximately 4,300 Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association members, which includes mechanics, janitors and aircraft cleaners, followed their leaders' urging in rejecting a proposal that would have brought none of them back to work but granted them 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, four weeks of layoff pay and payment of accrued vacation time.

The union said the vote was 57 percent to 43 percent.

The upshot of the vote means the strike that began Aug. 22 continues.

"Our striking members refused to bow down to Northwest's arrogant, self-enriching management and will continue the strike against this renegade, union-busting airline," said a union spokesman.

Hundreds of union members have returned to work during the strike, while Northwest has rehired several hundred more who were laid off before the strike began.