Baggage Workers Strike at Denver

D E N V E R, Sept. 26 -- Workers who operate United Airlines’ baggage system at Denver International Airport went on strike today after rejecting a contract offer.

About 25 union members set up a picket line early this morning at one of the airport’s remote overflow parking lots. The remote location of the lot means other union workers will not have to cross picket lines to come to work.

Negotiations between the workers and Phelps Program Management, a subcontractor for United, broke down Monday night. The impasse centered on work conditions, wages and benefits.

It was not clear what effect the walkout would have on United. The airline issued a statement saying it planned normal operations but urged passengers to call before leaving for the airport.

United: Normal Operations Expected

United spokesman Kurt Ebenhoch said this morning that the strike had not disrupted the airline’s operations.

“We’re expecting normal operations today,” he said. “Employees are reporting for their assignments and the baggage system is operating normally.”

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted just two hours before the strike deadline to reject a contract agreement reached last week, said Harold Johannesen, general chairman of the union’s district lodge.

Other machinists union members employed by United at the Denver airport, including baggage handlers, ramp and passenger service employees, and mechanics, said last week they would honor a strike by the roughly 70 baggage system operators.

Negotiations with the machinists are separate from United’s talks with pilots and ground workers. A contract dispute with pilots and other airline problems resulted in thousands of delayed and canceled United flights this summer.