Teamsters General President Calls On Continental To Cease Anti-Worker Activity

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa held a news conference and rally in Houston Friday in support of Continental Airlines aviation technicians and fleet service workers who are considering union membership.

Hoffa demanded that Houston-based Continental cease what he called "anti-union activities" targeting the fleet service workers, and also called for the company to recognize the continued sacrifices by the aviation technicians who are already represented by the Teamsters.

"Continental should not be standing in the way of its workers' right to seek strong representation on the job," Hoffa said. "Both the fleet service workers and the aviation technicians are invaluable members of this company that have earned the respect of management. The Teamsters will stand beside them and support them in their efforts."

More than 8,000 Continental fleet service workers may exercise their right to join a union. Some aviation technicians at Continental are already union members.

"Fleet service workers at Continental have made several attempts in the past to form a union, but their efforts have come up short," said Robert Rasch, President of Teamsters Local 19 in Houston. "That's not going to happen this time. Continental fleet service workers are going to win this organizing campaign because they have the strength and power of the Teamsters union behind them."

The Teamsters have called on the National Mediation Board to change its election rules, and the union intends to initiate discussions with the board about the concerns.

The 3,700 Continental aviation technicians are currently involved in ongoing negotiations with the company for a new contract. The workers made concessions in 2005 to help the airline survive the financial challenges it was experiencing at the time that still remain in place today. The union believes it is past time to amend these concessions and reward the aviation technicians for their skill and dedication with a contract that ends the concessions.

FMI: www.teamsters.org