President ready to act to avert strike at United

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush will do "whatever it takes" to avert a strike by mechanics at United Airlines, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said Tuesday.

The mechanics have rejected arbitration, and a National Mediation Board recommended Monday night that the president create a national emergency board, which would forestall a strike.

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Fleischer said Bush has 30 days to decide whether he would appoint such a board, and the president hopes the two sides will come to an agreement before then.

"The president is deeply concerned, especially at this time of year, about any disruption in airline service to the traveling public," Fleischer said. "He's also concerned about any negative impact a strike would have on the economy. And so therefore, the president is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the traveling public during the holiday season."