Possible United Airlines Srike....

[Pammyb]

Okay travel experts-I have a question....

I heard on the news yesterday that contract negotiations with UAL employees were not going well. There will be a thirty day cooling off period before a decision regarding a strike is made, which is just 2-3 weeks before I am scheduled to fly to Orlando on UAL. If, by chance (which is very slim, I imagine), they do decide to strike-what are my options? I imagine they will use replacement workers? When other airlines have gone on strike I haven't really given it too much attention-so what are the procedures?

Thanks!

Paminkbounc inkbounc

 

[olena]

Don't be concerned. My dad works for the airlines....a major one. Even though many of the major airlines are having major morale problems with their employees right now, I wouldn't worry too much. I saw the United labor problems mentioned on the news this weekend, too. I can't remember which labor group was mentioned this weekend. Maybe it was flight attendants. Just remember this. President Bush has already pledged that he will tolerate no strike at any major airline. His reasoning is that such a strike would ruin the economy. He has already intervened in one potential strike. He invoked a Presidential panel to hear both sides and propose its own settlement. This PEB process delays any job action or strike by at least 60 days. He didn't intvene in the Con Air strike because he said the National Mediation Board didn't ask him to. I'm sure the NMB would ask, if it was United.

From what I can tell of your post, if all things came to fruition at the current pace, you should be ok. And if the worst case happens, you should be able to to get your ticket honored by another airline. That may mean a few extra headaches, but you'd probably get there. Take heart though. I think you'll be in the clear.