United Airlines mechanics seek federal mediation

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union sought federal mediation for its talks with United Airlines over a new contract for United's 15,000 mechanics and related workers.

"We've made steady progress in contract talks with United so far," IAM District 141-M president Scotty Ford said in a statement issued Friday.

"The remaining issues, though very few, are the hardest to resolve. We feel the National Mediation Board's involvement will help speed a settlement." The United Airlines mechanics' contract became amendable July 12, and the two sides have been in talks since January.

United Airlines, owned by Chicago-based UAL Corp., recently reached a tentative contract with its pilots' union, helping to resolve summer-long operational troubles caused partly by pilots refusing overtime.

In addition, the mechanics have used some slowdown tactics, such as refusing overtime.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Union criticizes United's emergency declaration
August 24, 2000

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
United Airlines
National Mediation Board

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.