Getting your player ready...
A mechanics union said Tuesday that United Airlines has exceeded the amount of money it is allowed to spend outsourcing aircraft maintenance work by nearly a half-billion dollars.
But the Chicago-based airline disputed the conclusions, saying its spending on outsourced work is within the limits of its contract.
According to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, an audit revealed that United in 2006 spent $280 million more on outsourced work than allowed under a union contract after exceeding the maximum amount allowed by $200 million the year before.
United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said the contract allows United to outsource all heavy maintenance and up to 20 percent of other maintenance. The Associated Press
