Overseas work splits United, mechanics

A mechanics union Tuesday said United Airlines has exceeded the amount of money it is allowed to spend outsourcing aircraft maintenance work overseas by nearly a half-billion dollars.

But the Chicago-based airline disputed the conclusions in an audit for the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, saying its spending on outsourced work is within the limits of its contract with the union.

According to the union, the audit revealed United in 2006 spent $280 million more on outsourced work than allowed under a union contract, after exceeding the maximum amount allowed by $200 million the year before.

"UAL's continued insistence on ignoring their excessive outsourcing damages the already strained relationship with UAL maintenance employees," Local 9 President Joseph Prisco said in a statement. Prisco, whose union represents more than half of United's mechanics, said since 2001 the number of "mechanics and related staff" has dropped from 15,000 to 5,600.

United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said the contract allows United to outsource all heavy maintenance and up to 20 percent of other maintenance. She said a previous audit for the union by another group showed the airline is "well within" the limit allowed by the contract.

"This is from a new audit from a different group using a different calculation," she said, adding the airline never agreed to the audit.

Prisco said United did agree to both the audit group and the calculation it used. He said the issue will be decided by an arbitrator later this year.