Three unions at United OK new contracts

CHICAGO (AP) -- Mechanics and baggage handlers for United Airlines approved new contracts this morning, helping the bankrupt airline slash labor costs by about $4.7 billion over the next six years.
The vote follows flight attendants' approval Tuesday of a contract that will save the world's second-biggest carrier an additional $1.9 billion over the same time period.
United's CEO Glenn Tilton said the unions' vote helped push forward the carrier's restructuring effort.
The unions approved pay cuts of between 9 percent and 13 percent and changes in work rules.
"Four months ago we set several goals: to reach consensual agreements on cost savings with all of our unions, to improve productivity, and to lay the foundation for a more competitive, flexible and efficient airline," he said. "With today's ratifications, we have achieved all of those goals."