Airline mechanics vote today on strike

By Dave Carpenter
Associated Press

CHICAGO — On the eve of United Airlines mechanics' second strike vote in three weeks, union officials expressed hope yesterday a contract agreement will be ratified. But they proceeded with preparations for a midweek walkout just in case.

If the 12,800 United mechanics and aircraft cleaners reject the pact reached Feb. 18 and opt to strike, a nationwide walkout could begin at 11:01 p.m. CST tomorrow, shutting down the nation's No. 2 airline.

That's considered far less likely than it was last month, particularly since the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has endorsed the tentative deal. The union took a neutral stance on the previous offer, crafted by a presidential emergency board, and went back to negotiate improvements that observers think will help reverse the Feb. 12 outcome.

"We're still recommending a 'yes' vote, and we hope the contract ratifies," said Tom Reardon, IAM assistant general chairman.

The tentative pact would grant pay raises of as much as 37 percent for the most senior mechanics, to about $73,000 a year.

It also sweetens retroactive pay and removes a controversial provision requiring mechanics to agree to unspecified future concessions.

Still to be resolved is another contract dispute between United and its 23,000 baggage handlers, customer service representatives and reservation agents. Talks are under way in Chicago.