21.   GM was able to reach a tentative agreement Tuesday evening, averting a strike at a taillight factory in Anderson, Ind.

22.   If the two sides had ideas that could avert a strike, they have had plenty of time to place them on the bargaining table.

23.   In addition, Powell said cooperation by the Taliban now could avert strikes by the United States and may lead to better relations.

24.   In March, he appointed a presidential board that worked out a contract and averted a strike by machinists at Northwest Airlines.

25.   In San Jose, both sides remain optimistic that a strike can be averted.

26.   Lockhart said the president remained hopeful that strikes could be averted.

27.   Los Angeles Unified School District officials insisted they have no more money to offer, and they remain confident that a strike will be averted.

28.   Mechanics at United Airlines approved a new contract Tuesday, averting a strike that could have begun as early as Thursday.

29.   Members of Congress, meanwhile, stepped up their efforts to persuade the White House to intervene to avert a strike.

30.   Negotiations to avert a strike are scheduled for next week.