United Union Ready to Authorize Walkout

A union representing 30,000 United Airlines employees said it will ask members to authorize a strike after what it called unsuccessful talks with the carrier this week.

The local International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents 30,000 United ramp workers, customer service employees, reservations agents, food-service workers and security guards.

The union plans meetings around the country, meaning the strike vote would not come before mid-July, IAM spokesman Frank Larkin said.

However, the ramp workers have not been released from talks by the National Mediation Board, and they cannot strike until that happens.

Shares of United parent UAL Corp. fell 51 cents to $32.24 on the NYSE.