Pilots at United Airlines have warned that they will ask a federal mediator on April 30 to release them from further talks if the airline doesn't commit to making a deal by June 1. Pilots from United and Continental have been in contract disputes since the merger of the two airlines in 2010.
Such a release is one step of many required before an airline union can strike.
Continental pilots have not indicated whether they will make a similar move. United and Continental pilots are represented by their own units of the Air Line Pilots Association, with separate leadership and governing councils.
United Airlines pilots force a decision on a new deal
