Dear Sisters and Brothers:

By a wide margin, the members of District 141-M voted yesterday to reject a contract offer from United Airlines. In separate voting, members authorized a strike if an acceptable agreement is not reached by 12:01 AM on February 20, 2002.

It was announced today that negotiations for the mechanics group will resume in Chicago on Friday, February 15, 2002. We sincerely hope that a successful outcome of these negotiations will prevent any strike or lockout. However, the members of this District are prepared, if necessary, to exercise our contractual right to honor any lawful picket lines that may occur in the event of a work stoppage at United.

Until such time, all members are to report to work as scheduled and no member should engage in any activity until instructed to do otherwise by an officer of District 141. District officers will be available during the upcoming week to provide advice and instruction during this sensitive time.

Our negotiations with United will continue through Friday, February 15, 2002. A bulletin will be distributed at that time detailing the status of our talks. Currently, station outreach by members of the negotiating committee is planned for the week of February 17. Any schedule of events is of course subject to change as the current situation develops.

In Solidarity,

S.R. (Randy) Canale
President and Directing General Chairman
District 141