The union representing mechanics for UAL Corp.'s United Airlines has rejected an arbitration effort by a government board, raising the possibility of a strike at the second-biggest U.S. carrier.
The International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers turned down the National Mediation Board's offer to help resolve a contract dispute between the Chicago-based carrier and 15,000 mechanics and other employees, union spokesman Joe Tiberi said. The rejection of binding arbitration means company and union negotiators will enter a 30-day cooling-off period.
