February 16, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

RE: NMB Member DuBester Joins IAM -- United Talks

NMB Member Ernest W. DuBester joined mediated meetings on Thursday between United Airlines and its airline mechanics represented by the International Association of Machinists. After two days of meetings with the assistance of Mediator Rich Frey, DuBester, the Board's senior member, voiced his appreciation for the candor of both the IAM and United Airlines representatives. However, he stressed the need to overcome the differences which remain in this contract dispute. DuBester joined this week's talks to give the Board the opportunity to evaluate the dispute and indicated that further mediated sessions will be scheduled as soon as possible. The NMB will continue to be in communication with the parties.

United Airlines is the nations' largest airline, operating more than 2330 daily flights on a route network which spans the globe. The airline serves 139 destinations in 26 countries and two U.S. territories. The IAM&AW represents more than 15,000 United employees working in the mechanic and related job classifications. The union also represents approximately 31,000 passenger service, ramp and stores employees at United which are currently in separate negotiations with the carrier.