HEBRON — Comair pilots today are to announce their decision on the company's contract proposal, with a no vote continuing a strike countdown that could be stopped only by a settlement or a reprieve from President Bush.

        White House spokesman Scott Stanzel would not comment late last week on whether the president would intervene in the Comair dispute.

SUNDAY STORY

Shutdown at Comair would have big impact

        But Mr. Stanzel said the White House is “continually and carefully monitoring the (Comair) situation.” This month, President Bush stopped Northwest Airlines mechanics from striking, and administration officials have said the president stands ready to intervene in other disputes.

        Barring an agreement or presidential intervention, a strike could start as soon as 12:01 a.m. on March 26 — effectively shutting down Comair's main hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

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        Union and Comair officials said they would prefer to work out a deal without a strike or outside intervention.

        According to the Railway Labor Act, Mr. Bush can — upon recommendation of the National Mediation Board — stop a strike by appointing a Presidential Emergency Board.

        The action extends the cooling off period another 60 days and potentially turns the situation over to Congress.

        The mediation board would consider the potential impact before making a recommendation. Comair is the nation's second-largest regional airline, and the primary carrier for several small cities throughout the Midwest.

Sunday story: Shutdown at Comair would have big impact

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