Posted on: Tuesday, November 20, 2001

United mechanics inch toward strike

By Dave Carpenter
Associated Press

CHICAGO — The nearly 2-year-old contract standoff between United Airlines and its mechanics union moved closer to a strike yesterday when the mechanics rejected the government's offer of binding arbitration.

Federal mediators, while announcing that a 30-day countdown to a strike will begin later this week, took steps to ensure there will be no work stoppage over the heavily traveled Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Declaring the talks at an impasse and removing the legal obstacles to a strike, the National Mediation Board said, should "assist the parties in resolving their dispute."

The mechanics pledged to strike as soon as legally allowed if an agreement isn't reached, which normally would be as soon as the monthlong cooling-off period ends. But the mediation board recommended the establishment of a presidential emergency board at the end of that period — a step "thus avoiding any possibility of a work stoppage during the holidays," it said.

United had accepted the offer of binding arbitration.

"We don't expect any disruption of service as a result of the action today by the mediation board," said United spokesman Joe Hopkins.

The mechanics and United had recommended jointly in September that mediators declare an impasse and start the 30-day countdown in order to force a settlement.

"We have spent nearly two years in negotiations," said Scotty Ford, president and lead negotiator of IAM District 141-M, representing 15,000 United mechanics and related employees. "United failed to bargain in good faith and create a level playing field for all employees. We reject the board's offer of arbitration, and we will strike the carrier if an agreement can't be reached."

Negotiations may continue during the cooling-off period, though none are scheduled. Separate mediated talks continue among United, its ramp workers and customer relations employees.

The announcement of a breakdown in talks came after shares in United Airlines' parent company UAL Corp. soared 17 percent yesterday, partly because of the carrier's announcement late last week that it had shored up its financial position by deferring aircraft deliveries and raising cash. UAL shares rose $2.48 to close at $16.72.