Airline strike action possible

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001 | 11:35 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- President George Bush said he's worried about the possibility of strikes at airlines and said he'd "explore all options" if the labor disputes aren't resolved.

"I would urge that the parties settle their disputes," Bush said in response to a reporter's question at an event to discuss his tax-cut proposal. Strikes at the airlines "could have a harmful effect on our economy," he said.

Bush's comments came after a Washington Post report that his administration may appoint a Presidential Emergency Board if there's a strike at Northwest Airlines Corp., which is in contract negotiations with its mechanics.

UAL Corp.'s United Airlines Inc. is in talks with the International Association of Machinists, Delta Air Lines Inc. is in talks with its pilots and AMR Corp.'s American Airlines is in negotiations with the company's flight attendants.

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