United Airlines and mechanics affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters failed to agree on a new contract extension last week. It led to Teamsters seeking approval from the National Mediation Board to start a strike. United mechanics followed it up with protests at the maintenance facilities of the airline carrier in Houston, San Francisco and Orlando.

About 93 percent of these mechanics voted against United's recent proposal and approved Teamsters' initiative to start a strike. During the protest at the maintenance facilities, signs that read "Millions for UAL Execs--Peanuts for Passengers and Mechanics" were used. Technicians also participated in the protest by donning "Tell UAL: NO" stickers while at work.

More Protests to Be Held

"These longtime, loyal mechanics will be taking their message to United's customers and investors next, all of whom stand to lose if the company continues to treat its employees badly," said Capt. David Bourne of the Teamsters Airline Division.

Bourne added that United's offer is "substandard," considering the company's record profits because of many cost-cutting measures and diminishing oil prices.

Deborah Ward-Crummey, one of the mechanics in San Francisco, said that United has been very ignorant of their work and years of sacrifice for the company.

"United's proposal would allow aircraft maintenance to be outsourced, which we believe is not safe for passengers or the company's long-term stability," Ward-Crummey explained. "It also fails to secure family health care protections, which will hurt my family and families across the nation."

Not Good for the New Heart

The stress of a looming strike may not be good for the new heart of United CEO Oscar Munoz. However, the 57-year-old said that he will directly talk with the labor representatives and mechanics to ensure that an agreement will be reached.

"I will personally meet with our labor leaders to make sure we reach an agreement that will work for our technicians," Munoz said. Both United and Teamsters representatives will appear before the National Mediation Board on March 3 in Washington D.C. to resume negotiations.

Munoz is still not cleared to return full-time to his position as CEO. He may be available to work again by the end of the first quarter. Munoz underwent a successful heart transplant surgery last Jan. 6 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He suffered a heart attack five weeks into his term back in October before doctors suggested that a heart transplant is the long-term solution.