SAN FRANCISCO: United Airlines mechanics have voted against the firm’s contract offer and to authorize a strike. More than 9,000 mechanics were affected by the deal, which was rejected by 93 percent of union workers voting.

Teamsters union general president Jim Hoffa criticized United’s “substandard proposition” that included a two-tiered wage system.

“At a time when United Airlines is incredibly profitable, it is clear that mechanics deserve a better offer from the company.”

International Brotherhood of Teamsters leaders now plan to petition the National Mediation Board for a green light to start a strike.

Last month, United announced it had multiplied by six its income last year to $7.3 billion, despite a 2.7 percent drop in sales to $37.9 billion.