United has over $4 BILLION dollars of cash on hand. Yesterday United announced its highest pre-tax profit since 1999. They made over $600 million dollars this year. Oh, and what happened in 2000... United negotiated the largest contract in the history of ALPA. The money is there...

They are working under a concessionary contract right now, but that will all change when contract negotiations open up in about one year. Take a look at their contract 2000. I would expect nothing less for their next contract. Just look at the leadership APA is providing. They are asking for their 2000 level pay plus inflation over the past 7 years (over 30% raises). Things will get better at United.

As for mergers, yes United is looking to merge. My prediction... they will have merged by the end of 2008. But this is a good thing. With fewer airlines, there is less fierce competition, and thus airlines have an easier ability to raise fares, make more money, and that is good for labor.