Accord Eludes US Airways, Mechanics

US Airways Group Inc.’s unionized machinists rejected further arbitration in contract talks with the sixth-largest U.S. airline, a move that starts a 30-day countdown to a possible strike. If the sides can’t agree on a new contract during the countdown period, union members will be free to strike and the company will have the right to enforce new work rules. The countdown period will end Sept. 26 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time, the National Mediation Board said. About 3 1/2 years of negotiations have left the union, which represents 7,000 US Airways mechanics, and the company at odds on major issues such as job security, the union said. US Airways shares fell $2.44 to close at $33.06 on the NYSE.