Judge Won’t Block Order Against United Strike

A federal judge refused to block President Bush’s order preventing mechanics of UAL Corp.’s United Airlines from going on strike.

U.S. District Judge James Robertson’s decision came after a hearing requested by the mechanics’ union about whether the White House should have stepped into the dispute.

Bush intervened last month at the request of federal mediators, blocking a strike by the 15,000 United mechanics that he said would have disrupted Christmas holiday travel.

The International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers argued that federal mediators did not meet a legal threshold in recommending that Bush intervene. The union claims the overriding reason was to avoid a strike during the holiday.

Union spokesman Frank Larkin did not know whether they would appeal.

UAL shares fell 78 cents to $14.33 on the New York Stock Exchange.