United Airlines Workers Reject Tentative Contract

United Airlines mechanics and cleaners rejected the tentative contract recommended by a presidential panel last month, setting the unprofitable UAL Corp. unit on course for a possible Feb. 20 strike.

The workers cast 68% of votes against the proposed contract, according to results released by the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union. The contract would have raised top pay for mechanics at the second-largest carrier by 37% this year. The two sides have said they would resume talks if the contract were rejected.

The workers also voted 86% in favor of giving their union leaders the option to call for a strike if no agreement can be reached over the next week. The union said 90% of eligible voters cast ballots.