United's chairman, Stephen M. Wolf, announced plans earlier this year to sell assets and lay off workers to save money.

Stephen M. Wolf, United's chairman and president, said the "competition was extremely close."

Several labor officials say he has been more open about the bleak financial situation than Stephen M. Wolf, a former chief executive who is now chairman.

United's chairman, Stephen M. Wolf, was quick to use that argument last week as he brought word of the latest shrinkage.

It added that it supported the management team led by Stephen M. Wolf, the chairman.

Stephen M. Wolf, United chairman and president, announced the order at company headquarters in Chicago.

He will be succeeded by Stephen M. Wolf, who has served as chairman for three years.

Analysts say the unions and the investors stand a good chance of ousting the chief executive, Stephen M. Wolf.

Stephen M. Wolf, the chairman and president of United, said he was disappointed by the department's objection.

The company's chairman, Stephen M. Wolf, called the results "disappointing" even without buyout-related effects.