AMFA Says United Must Take Remaining Negotiating Time Seriously to Help Resolve Major Differences.

CHICAGO -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) said that unless United Airlines (OTCBB:UALAQ.BB) begins to take negotiations more seriously, major differences between the airline and the union are unlikely to be resolved within the four-month extension granted yesterday by Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff.

The emergency relief Judge Wedoff granted to United under section 1113e includes a temporary 9.8 percent pay cut and reduced sick leave benefits for AMFA members. The ruling is limited to a four-month period, February 1 through May 1, 2005, and gives AMFA and United this additional time to try to reach a consensual contract agreement.

On January 28, 2005, AMFA-represented mechanics and related employees at United Airlines voted to reject a Tentative Agreement that would have reduced wages and benefits the company says it must have to exit bankruptcy. At the same time, AMFA members favored calling for a strike by 85 percent.

"Because the provisions of yesterday's 1113e ruling are temporary, we do not plan to pursue a strike or other form of self-help during this period," said AMFA National Director O.V. Delle-Femine. "With only four more months to work with and substantial remaining differences, however, we urge United negotiators to begin taking this process more seriously. From the moment United contacts us to arrange the next meeting, we will resume giving this process all the urgency and attention it deserves. It will be readily apparent in that first meeting whether the company is willing to do the same."

AMFA's craft union represents aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Alaska Airlines, ATA, Horizon Airlines, Independence Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. AMFA's credo is "Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground." To learn more about AMFA, visit www.amfanatl.org.