As United Airlines pushes ahead its plans to operate a low cost carrier, their union pilots continue to voice strong opposition to the plan. Although a spokesmen for United claims they are not planning on closing any hubs, a United executive testified during bankruptcy proceedings that plans include the possible closure of their hubs in Los Angeles, Denver and Washington. United CEO Glenn Tilton has publicly stated that the Air Line Pilots Association and the company are in general agreement on the elements of United's restructuring, a fact disputed by Paul Whiteford, who represents United's 9,000 pilots. In a recent letter to Tilton, Whiteford said that the sides are "miles apart on this issue--and several others--with no progress in sight."
See "Pilots, airline 'miles apart' in United talks", Dave Carpenter, Chicago Sun Times, February 24, 2003