Chicago – United Airlines’ labor situation remained in limbo Thursday as a federal judge declined to rule on a threatened strike by the carrier’s baggage handlers and customer-service agents until after their contract standoff is resolved.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel put off until June 7 a decision on the machinists union’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have barred United from trying to impede a strike.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers maintains it has the right to strike if United’s bid to terminate its contract is approved by a bankruptcy judge Tuesday. The two sides are in talks to try to reach a contract agreement that would make that ruling unnecessary.
“Today’s decision does not affect our plans to strike United Airlines if we cannot reach an agreement with the company and the bankruptcy judge rules in United’s favor,” IAM spokesman Joseph Tiberi said.
United contends a strike would be illegal under the Railway Labor Act even if the contract is terminated.
