November 17, 2000 – United Airlines today was granted in U.S. Federal Court a temporary restraining order that prevents the International Association of Machinists District 141M and its members from engaging in illegal job actions that are disrupting the company’s flight schedule and inconveniencing customers. United warned the union in a letter last Friday that its illegal activities violate the Railway Labor Act by altering the "status quo" required during contract negotiations. It said the illegal actions do not affect our airline’s safety in any way, but are leading to an increasing number of flight cancellations and delays."While we regret having to take this step, our goal with the temporary restraining order is to protect our customers from the impact of operational disruption," said Andy Studdert, executive vice president and chief operating officer of United Airlines.

"Meanwhile, we expect our mechanics and IAM District 141M leadership to honor this temporary restraining order and let us all get on with the business of serving our customers in a way every employee can be proud of." In its court filing, United cited numerous instances that showed concerted job actions, orchestrated by the IAM District 141M leadership, which clearly demonstrate a violation of the Railway Labor Act. The order immediately requires the IAM District 141M and its individual members to cease all illegal job actions or risk facing monetary fines or other sanctions.