Judge Stays Out Of United Talks
A federal judge refused Wednesday to issue a temporary injunction barring United Airlines mechanics from taking part in a work slowdown.
Judge William Hibbler says an injunction would serve no useful purpose.
He also declined to cite the International Association of Machinists for contempt of court over the slowdown that the airline says is designed to bring pressure on contract negotiations.
The judge's ruling came as federal mediators temporarily halted contract talks between United Airlines, the world's largest airline, and its mechanics, to allow them to consider current proposals, the company and mechanics union said Wednesday.
"This break in negotiations does not indicate a breakdown," Scotty Ford, president and lead negotiator for the 15,000 mechanics of United, a unit of UAL Corp., said in a statement.
Progress was made the past week of intensive talks, but "several important issues remain unresolved," United said.
The National Mediation Board wanted both sides to reflect on their current positions, the company said.
"With continued diligence on both sides, we're confident that we can reach an agreement on an industry-leading contract for these employees," Andy Studdert, United's chief operating officer, said in a statement. Studdert had been directly involved in the talks.
Ford urged the United membership of the International Association of Machinists union to "remain calm" and observe the rules of the Railway Labor Act, which governs airline negotiations.
Chicago-based United has complained that the mechanics were using slowdown tactics to pressure management, blaming unusually high maintenance-related cancellations on the workers. The union has said there is no concerted effort to slow operations, which could violate the Act.
Meanwhile, a hearing is set for Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Chicago on United's motion for a preliminary injunction against the alleged slowdown.
Wednesday afternoon, UAL shares were down $1, to $37 and 1/4, in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
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