Officials Say No Major Disruptions So Far

If you're planning on flying out of Newark, you might be in for a wait... or, maybe not.

Over 200 fuelers and other ramp personnel belonging to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) walked off the job Wednesday morning at Newark Liberty International Airport, after rejecting a contract offer from Allied Aviation Services.

Officials with the airlines, however -- as well as with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey --  said there were minimal disruptions from the strike. Alan Hicks, spokesman for the Port Authority, told the New Jersey Star-Ledger there were some morning and evening delays due to the strike, but weather issues played a more significant role with delays and cancellations for the day.

Flights from Newark to Chicago were cancelled due to weather issues, said Hicks.

"The impact [of the strike] is so negligible, we don't have details on it," said Continental Airlines spokesman David Messing. Continental has the greatest presence at Newark.

The sentiment was echoed by American Airlines spokesman Ned Raynolds, who said six morning flights to Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and San Juan were delayed as much at 40 minutes due to the strike.

"It was not a terrible disruption," he said.

In all, 214 Newark employees represented by IAMAW picketed over what they claim are low wages, and sharply rising medical premiums. According to local shop steward Vincent DiLieto, Allied Aviation Services wanted to freeze salaries for the first year of the three-year contract, with a 29-cent-per-hour increase each of the final two years. The average worker at Newark makes $17.53 per hour, he added.

"There wasn't really anything in the contract (offer) that benefited anyone," DiLieto said.

Allied's management took over fueling operations Wednesday to cover for the striking workers, according to the Star-Ledger.

FMI: www.panynj.gov/aviation/ewrframe.HTM, www.iamaw.org