Have the machinists/mechanics again been too intransigent or whatever?

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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said it is scheduling discussions with United on the cost cuts next week. But its leaders took a tough stance in comments distributed to their members and the media.

"United Airlines needs to reduce its labor costs, but cost reduction does not necessarily mean pay cuts," said Robert Roach Jr., the IAM's general vice president. "Giving back money every time there is a crisis does not fix the problem, it only hides it temporarily. ... If needed, wage reductions should only be considered an option when there are no other choices for cost reductions."

One apparent sticking point is that the IAM wants its members to get credit in concession talks for the nearly $500 million the company owes them in back pay.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/021010/united_labor_1.html

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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/013024.html

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I hope they understand it's a team effort!