If they receive the first strike authorization, the aircraft will continue southwest to approximately sixty-seven degrees north latitude, escorted by the second group of KC-10 tankers.

The union, which has strike authorization from the membership, has not set a walkout date.

Although no strike date has been set, the N.H.L. players' union was given a strike authorization by its members last week in voting by the member clubs.

Mr. Mancino's announcement of the strike authorization, which was approved by 91 percent of the members, included some conciliatory notes.

One city official who requested anonymity said he considered the strike authorization to be "grandstanding."

Mr. Dinkins said the strike authorization would have no effect on the city's negotiating posture.

Marc Stepp, a union official, said he would approve all requests for strike authorization from local unions with unresolved contracts.

A union vice president, William J. Pelletier, said, "I definitely think the membership is going to vote for a strike authorization."

Different Sets of Numbers The players voted two weeks ago to give the bargaining committee strike authorization.

In a vote tallied Wednesday and released yesterday, 418 nurses voted for the strike authorization, with 19 opposed.