United, ramp workers reach tentative contract agreement

CHICAGO - United Airlines and its ramp workers&#39; union have reached a tentative contract deal. <br> <br> The proposed settlement between the nation&#39;s second largest carrier and its 25-thousand ground workers would give many of United&#39;s baggage handlers and customer service representatives their first raise since 1994. <br> <br> Talks have been ongoing for 28 months. <br> <br> If the deal is ratified, it would get United over the last hurdle it needs to clear before entering a critical phase of its financial recovery plan. The airline is trying to get workers at the majority employee-owned company to agree to pay concessions. <br> <br> United contends the cuts are necessary to help it end two years of unprofitability with business travel still sluggish and revenues lagging. <br> <br> But the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers -- United&#39;s biggest union -- has refused to talk about possible concessions until pending contracts were settled and ratified.