News Summary: United Airlines pilots OK contract
News Summary: United-Continental merger edges forward with new joint contract for its pilots
NEW CONTRACT: Pilots at United Airlines have ratified a new union contract, bringing the airline closer to finalizing its 2010 merger with Continental.
THE DETAILS: Pilots are getting raises averaging 43.2 percent, including bigger retirement contributions. They will also divide a $400 million lump sum. United also wins pilots' permission for a major expansion of the use of larger regional jets with 70 or more seats.
THE VOTE: Some 67 percent of the United and Continental pilots who voted elected to approve the contract. Nearly 98 percent of the 10,193 eligible pilots participated in the vote.
