United Airlines pilots force a decision on a new deal

Pilots at United Airlines have warned that they will ask a federal mediator on April 30 to release them from further talks if the airline doesn’t commit to making a deal by June 1. Pilots from United and Continental have been in contract disputes since the merger of the two airlines in 2010. Such a release is one step of many required before an airline union can strike. Continental pilots have not indicated whether they will make a similar move. United and Continental pilots are represented by their own units of the Air Line Pilots Association, with separate leadership and