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  April 15, 2008 “United CEO Glenn Tilton’s dream of finding a dance partner for our airline appears, by most accounts, closer to becoming a reality. “Mr. Tilton and his executives need a reminder concerning any merger or consolidation scenario that involves our airline. Unlike bankruptcy, when Tilton and his minions exploited U.S. bankruptcy laws to squeeze every penny it could from its employees, a merger would require United executives to address employee concerns if it is to succeed. “Mr. Tilton can no longer hide behind the robes of a bankruptcy judge to get what he wants from labor. Those days ended once United exited bankruptcy. Management now faces a group empowered by unity and a common determination of regaining what was taken from us under the guise of duress. CEO Glenn Tilton and his executives have helped themselves to millions of dollars of stock options, bonuses, pay raises and dividends without any regard to their employees or passengers. Management’s self-serving approach to running this airline must end. “We are firmly entrenched at the consolidation table. The road to any consolidation involving United Airlines must pass through labor. And traveling that road requires a hefty toll. “United Airlines exists today only due to the sacrifices and sweat equity the employees have invested, not from any heroic efforts of Glenn Tilton and his executives. “Today, their honeymoon is over. It is now our turn to have a say in the future and direction of our airline. If the current management at United expects our cooperation in any consolidation or merger action, they must address our needs. The Union Coalition at United Airlines, representing unionized employees, has had enough of Mr. Tilton and his executives lining their pockets at the expense of their employees and of management’s lack of permanent interest in the company they pretend to serve. “Together, we will reclaim our careers and our collective future. The road toward a successful merger or consolidation involving United Airlines goes through its unions. Unless our concerns are met; unless we are extended the respect we’ve earned and are provided the future we so richly deserve, Mr. Tilton’s merger dreams will remain just that.” The Union Coalition at United represents more than 48,900 United employees. Signed: Captain Steve Wallach Randy Canale Don Treichler Greg Davidowitch Craig Symons Lou Lucivero
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