His union, based almost wholly in California, has negotiated pension rights for its 30,000 members.

They would probably not earn higher wages if the union negotiated for them, he said.

The situation involved cases where a union negotiated a contract with many employers in the same industry simultaneously.

First, resident unions have negotiated with public hospitals for years, without major problems.

United's management and its pilots' union have been negotiating a new contract since December 1998.

The union negotiated the 10-and-5 rule to give veteran players the ability to determine their playing location.

He said unions would negotiate any changes from a united front.

The league and the union had been negotiating since September to strengthen the policy.

The union has been negotiating separately with the companies since June 24.

The union has negotiated a number of benefits for the employees, including a raise in holiday pay.