The previous post makes it seem that management is at fault for all the problems at UAL. That is dead wrong. The current problems started with the pilot work slowdown in 2000 and were exacerbated by the mechanics union unwilling to negotiate after September 11th.

The pilots were too gready in 2000, and they put United into chaos, and United consequently lost hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate customers, not to mention personal customers. Why should any airline pilot who works 80hrs/month flying a 747 be paid over $300,000, and receiving 90% of their max pay for a pension. The pilots were too gready with their 2000 contract, and that was a double edge sword for the airline. Their labor costs were outrageous, and United lost too much revenue and respect from their customers.

Another event that helped thrust United into bankruptcy was the rejection of a 14% pay cut by the mechanics union.

United management has worked hard over the last 3 years, and they have turned United into what will soon be THE force to be reckoned with in the airline industry. United is offering a bonus to some management employees, who have stuck with the airline through the tough process, and who have received compensation well below the national average for their line of work. Most of these management employees receiving this stock make less than the average pilot!