Whatshouldiuse, here's how the "game's" played...
UAL management is probably not quite as concerned about a possible Wednesday strike as you are because at the last minute UAL can agree to meet the IAM's terms and the IAM will be duty bound to offer such deal to its members for a vote. This buys UAL management more time (beyond wednesday at least).
The "rock and a hard place" for UAL's management/negotiators is to watch the passenger bookings drop off at an alarming rate in the days/hours leading up to Wednesday. As folks like you naturally don't need the anxiety involved, reservations (like yours) are changed over to other carriers. More passengers booking away gives added leverage to the IAM's bargaining position.
Much as I respect the likes of Aviator and his fellow UAL employees, do the IAM and yourself a favor next week and fly on any other carrier.
Cheers,