United Puts Off Further Talks

United Airlines is not ready to go back to the bargaining table, the airline’s chairman said today, despite the stated willingness of its striking pilots to resume talks aimed at ending their 12-day walkout.

Richard Ferris, chief executive officer of the nation’s largest airline, said at a news conference that he does not believe that further talks at this point would be of any benefit. At issue is a back-to-work agreement, with the pilots seeking job protection for all employees honoring the strike.