Machinists Sue to Stop Emergency Board

The Machinists union sued the National Mediation Board and United Airlines in federal court, seeking to set aside a presidential emergency board that blocked mechanics from going on strike.

The union, which represents 13,000 United mechanics, claims that the National Mediation Board failed to perform statutory requirements before calling for President Bush to intervene in the 2-year-old contract talks.

The union is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction of the presidential panel, allowing the workers to strike.