1.  In return for equity ownership in the airline, United mechanics agreed to a pay freeze when the old contract was in effect.

2.  Last week, after it became clear that a majority of United mechanics were unhappy with the proposal, leaders of the machinists association began speaking out against it.

3.  The airline acknowledges that United mechanics are now paid roughly one-third less an hour than their counterparts at American.

4.  Chief union negotiator Scotty Ford said the agreement would give United mechanics the industry-leading contract they have been seeking.

5.  The airline continued to blame many of its troubles on United mechanics, who have been working without a contract since summer.