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UAL strike blocked
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December 20, 2001: 2:16 p.m. ET
Bush creates panel to delay airline strike up to 60 days.
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Widow sues United over hijacking - Dec. 20, 2001
United mechanics OK strike - Dec. 14, 2001
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WASHINGTON (CNN) - The White House said Thursday it has acted to delay a possible walkout by United Airlines mechanics, who have authorized a strike as early as this week.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters President Bush signed an executive order creating a presidential emergency board to help both sides agree on a new labor contract.
The formation of the panel delays a strike for up to 60 days.
"The president is concerned about the economy, particularly after September 11th, and the effect that airline strikes would have on the economy, and on the ability of the public to travel at this time," Fleischer said.
"The president is also very concerned about the combination of the impact on the traveling public and the economy, and he urges all parties to work together to resolve their differences."
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For the first 30 days, the board will investigate and then make recommendations. Both sides will have the following 30 days to consider them, and neither side is required to accept them.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers had voted overwhelmingly last Thursday to strike if no deal was reached when the last 30-day cooling-off period ends Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Last week, the 15,000-member IAM group voted 99 percent in favor of a strike. The National Mediation Board declared an impasse Nov. 21.
By appointing a Presidential Emergency Board, Bush has extended the Dec. 21 deadline for strike or settlement until mid February. United, the nation's No. 2 airline, is owned by UAL Corp. of Chicago.
The mechanics had predicted the move, and criticized it. "Today's decision by President Bush to block a negotiated settlement at United Airlines will go down in history as the defining moment in this administration's war against American workers' collective bargaining rights," said Tom Buffenbarger, president of the IAM.
No immediate comment was available from United.
The mechanics' last contract expired in July 2000. Their last raise was granted in 1994. Disagreements center on job security, pension and wages. A top mechanic makes about $23 an hour. 
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