41.   The Washington Federation of State Employees voted last Friday to authorize a strike, demanding better pay and benefits.

42.   Union mechanics at United Airlines overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer and authorized a strike.

43.   Union members authorized a strike last month and indicated a strike could occur at any time.

44.   Union members voted last week to authorize a strike if negotiations break down.

45.   White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Bush authorized the strike Thursday morning.

46.   Last year, a referendum authorized a strike, but the latter was avoided thanks to a last-minute agreement.

47.   The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said Monday its members had voted to authorize a strike at United Parcel Service if a new contract agreement is not reached.