United Air, IAM Reach Tentative Deal

United Continental Holdings, Inc.(NYSE: UAL) today announced that the company has reached tentative agreementson new joint collective bargaining agreements with the InternationalAssociation of Machinists (IAM) for the fleet service, passenger service andstorekeeper workgroups at the United, Continental, Continental Micronesia andMileagePlus subsidiaries. The agreements are subject to ratification by IAMmembers."I want to acknowledge the hard work of the negotiating committee members inreaching these agreements. The agreements are an important part of workingtogether to build the world's leading airline," said Jon Roitman, senior vicepresident of airport operations for United.The agreements cover more than 28,000 United employees."We thank National Mediation Board member Linda Puchala and Senior MediatorPatricia Sims for their direct involvement and assistance throughout themediation process," said Mike Bonds, executive vice president of humanresources and labor relations at United. "The NMB's effective trainingprogram, combined with commitments for expedited negotiations, allowed us toreach timely agreements. I also want to recognize the efforts of mediatorsMichael Kelliher and Andy Nordgren, who helped set the framework for effectivedialogue."