United Pilots Okay Strike Vote

The United Airlines Holdings Inc. pilots union has unanimously voted to authorize a strike vote, the union chair said in a letter to pilots, Reuters reported.

Photo Insert: A move towards a strike vote is a bargaining tactic unions have been using in contract negotiations, and a strike mandate does not mean pilots will walk off the job.

"You'll receive more communication regarding this impending strike vote in the coming days," the letter says. A spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said it has not yet set a date for the strike vote.

This action comes months after pilots at Delta Air Lines ratified a contract that includes over $7 billion in cumulative increases in pay and benefits over four years. Industry officials say Delta's new contract has become a benchmark for contract negotiations in North America.

"We have offered our pilots an industry-leading deal and we're actively working with ALPA to reach an agreement," a United Airlines spokesperson said, adding that United flights will continue to operate as planned as the negotiation process continues.

A move towards a strike vote is a bargaining tactic unions have been using in contract negotiations, and a strike mandate does not mean pilots will walk off the job.

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