The union for United Airlines’ mechanics said Feb. 1 its members
will not strike at least not during the next four months even
though a bankruptcy court judge Jan. 31 temporarily imposed new pay
cuts on the mechanics at United’s request.
“Because the provisions of [the Feb. 1 court] ruling are
temporary, we do not plan to pursue a strike or other form of
self-help during this period,” said O.V. Delle-Femine, national
director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
(AFMA).
United AFMA members previously had voted to authorize a strike
if the judge imposed cuts.
Judge Eugene Wedoff imposed a 9.8 percent pay cut and reduced
sick leave benefits, but only until May 1, giving United and the
AFMA time to reach an agreement.
“From the moment United contacts us to arrange the next meeting,
we will resume giving this process all the urgency and attention it
deserves,” Delle-Femine said. “It will be readily apparent in that
first meeting whether the company is willing to do the same.”
