UAL Strike

[whatshouldiuse]

Couple of questions for you all regarding United...

. .Do you think the mechanics will strike on Wednesday?

If they do, does this mean bankruptcy for United?

All answers appreciated, as I have a return ticket scheduled for late Tuesday landing after midnight on Wednesday morning.

Thanks Folks

. .Whatshouldiuse

[spinproof]

Yes! <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . .No ! <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> . .Pick another carrier! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[whatshouldiuse]

Spin...tried. Tough to find one from Denver when they control 70% of all DEN flights. The alternatives are already fully booked.

[ 15 February 2002: Message edited by: whatshouldiuse ]</p>

[dallas dude]

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,

[vmommo]

Sink the ship! UAL is rotten to the core! So much for the "Premier Airline of the World"......

[drvrA320]

whatshouldiuse

I honestly wouldn't change a thing with regard to your itinerary.

IMO, I don't believe the IAM will strike due to a couple of reasons.

First, I don't believe today's IAM is as suicidal as the IAM of past. Remember they (the IAM) are still employee owners and if they in fact do strike and cause some sort of bankruptcy protection to be started, all of their "employee investment" is washed out! Not a good plan, especially with the AMFA team watching closely.

Second, what did the IAM have to lose by voted this proposal down? Answer... very little. The worst case scenario would be negotiating a 37% pay increase (not bad) for a new contract. They (IAM) need to be in a position of strength before they come into the concession era of their rebuilding.

Face it, UAL has been severly mismanaged for several years now, and the employee groups want positive changes to take place.

I wouldn't change airlines... lets wait and see what Dubya does and how the tone of negotiations is going.

Bon Chance

[OneWorld22]

UAL workers HAVE voted to go on strike at 0001 20th Feb.

The FAA have issued security bulletins advising this to airlines who may use UA as ground handlers and requesting what alternatives these airlines have.

[Oilhead]

I think drvrA320 has it right. I am confident for all the reasons he/she stated there will be no strike. The hairy chest thumping is to keep the more radical IAM'ers happy (glad they don't have Bob Crow running them!).

I am certain UAL will rise out of all of this quite comfortable. Creighton is a sraight shooter, and knows what he is doing. Wolf lied to the employees, just as he is still doing to the employees at USAirways. Goodwin was incompetent, and was only interested in feathering his nest. I think we have a winner here - I think.

OH

[spinproof]

drvrA320 et al... .I agree with most of your premise I would caution you though. The IAM Boys (and girls)have blood their swords and are determined to get a battle star...to not go to the mattresses at this point would not bode well!!!. .Dubya has fired his only shot and is outta bullets..congress would have to interviene and I don't see that happn'... .If mangement offers a TA game over!just my thoughts...

[GlueBall]

In any case, there will be life after UAL, just as there was life after Eastern, Pan Am and Braniff.... <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[drvrA320]

Spinoff,

I agree with you, the IAM as well as most all of the other employee groups of UAL are "Mad as Heck" and don't want to take it any longer. However, I still believe cooler heads will prevail.

We all want that "Battle Star" and most of us have those proud "Battle Scars". But they all really come with a price, sometimes worth it sometimes not.

Creighton really isn't new blood, (coming from the ranks of the board members) but he does have some fresh ideas and not much baggage. Let's watch and see what he can do... remember former President Reagan's motto.. "Trust but Verify".

Don't mistake me for a management weenie or management supporter. In the service industry such as ours, I am a firm advocate of what is good for the employee is usually good for the company (lets battle our competitors, not each other). The UAL suits have made many serious and just plain stupid decisions. The IAM will have to be strong and demonstrate intelligent leadership, which I believe can be done.

I am optimistic they will have a contract they can proudly take to the membership.

Cheers

[drvrA320]

Must apologize... I addressed you as "Spinoff" instead of "Spinproof". Sorry mate! <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[Oilhead]

---We all want that "Battle Star"---

Well I must differ with you there! I am a post 85-er and thusly do not have a star on my pin. I certainly do not want one either. That is not to label me as potential scab material either - I am an ALPA supporter, even when they bullsh!2 us, but I am not panting to strike this company either. If I had to go to that extreme measure I certainly would, but those thoughts sit far in the back of my head. Right now I am interested in making this company work. I think you are wrong to write such a statement as if speaking for all of us!

[spinproof]

drvrA320. ...so you've seen me ground loop a 120!!!! . . <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> . .Cheers!!!! :)

[spinproof]

oilhead. .not sure who you're referring to, but as I stated "just my thoughts",I don't speak for anyone but myself!. .No malice Intended!

[whatshouldiuse]

Thanks to all who posted. If I'm not back on Wednesday, you know I made the wrong choice !!!

. .Whatshouldiuse

[exeng]

UAL appear to be getting ready for the worst.

See here:

<a href="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=4599" target="_blank">UAL taps bankruptcy guru</a>

[quote]Thinking the unthinkable, United Airlines is bringing on board noted Chicago bankruptcy attorney James "Jamie" Sprayregen as the struggling carrier girds for a possible strike this week by mechanics. . . <hr></blockquote>

. .Regards. .Exeng