United, union hold contract talks down to the wire

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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines and its machinists' union were unable to agree on a new long-term contract before reaching an unofficial deadline Friday, but the two sides continued to negotiate even as a trial that could force labor concessions reached its final stage.
Neither side would say whether a settlement appeared likely later Friday before a ruling in the case. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has threatened to strike if Judge Eugene Wedoff sides with United and imposes its contract terms.

"The parties are still exchanging proposals," union spokesman Frank Larkin said from a local hotel where talks continued after stretching through the night.

Asked about the threatened strike, Larkin said: "It is still possible. We'll wait to see how the judge rules. We're still hoping for a negotiated settlement that would make a ruling unnecessary."

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