Minneapolis ? A union spokesman for striking Northwest Airlines mechanics said Saturday he doubts a deal will be reached anytime soon to end the three-week walkout.

“I think it would be a miracle for us to reach an agreement during this round of bargaining,” said Steve MacFarlane, assistant national director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assn.

Andy Roberts, Northwest vice president for operations, said no new proposals were exchanged Saturday. The two sides still expected to hold face-to-face talks sometime later in the day.

Northwest is seeking $1.1 billion in annual labor cost savings and has said rising fuel prices mean it will probably raise that target. The company is in talks with all of its workers.