Baggage handlers and customer service agents at United Airlines, San Mateo County's largest employer, are preparing for a possible strike this week as contract negotiations are expected to finish in a federal bankruptcy court in Chicago.
Carl Finamore, president of International Association of Machinists Local 1781, said baggage handlers could refuse to haul luggage on to planes this week if an unsatisfactory decision is made. Closing arguments in the federal case are expected on Thursday.
"Negotiations are not going well," Finamore said. He said the union is preparing an "imminent" strike because United has given workers poor terms in its most recent contract. The local union has 2,000 members, many who live in the county.
United spokesman David Dimmer said Monday the airline "is working diligently to get a consensual agreement with all our unions," and said he could not speculate on whether baggage handlers could stall or halt planes arriving and departing from San Francisco International Airport.
United reached a tentative agreement with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association on Monday.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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