Negotiations between United Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers continue as the impending threat of a strike looms large for both parties. The machinists, United's largest union with 20,000 members, are at an impasse with United over proposed pension plans. Absent an agreement, Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff has said he will rule Tuesday afternoon on whether United can break the union's contract unilaterally in order to impose lower wages and benefits.
See "Threat of Strike Looms for United, Union", Dave Carpenter, Chicago Tribune, May 30, 2005