Still Foresee Possible Joining With Other Carrier

On Monday, Continental Pilots voted in favor of an assessment that will increase funding amounts to bolster their merger fund, according to the Air Line Pilots Association.

"The ratification of the measure shows that pilots at Continental Airlines are preparing themselves in the event the Airline becomes engaged in a potential merger," said Capt. Jay Pierce, the leader of the local Continental pilots' ALPA chapter. The money from the assessment would be added to funds already in the union's merger war chest.

As ANN has reported, Continental's name has been floated around as a potential merger candidate with United Airlines... but speculation in recent weeks has grown quieter, as a proposed merger between Delta and Northwest -- considered the bellwether for further industry consolidation -- stalled on disagreement between pilots unions at both of those carriers.

That doesn't mean Continental's pilots think the issue is dead, however. "If Continental management announces its intent to merge with another airline, we'll be ready," Pierce said.

"If we determine that a merger is designed for the benefit of airline executives, Wall Street financial groups and legal firms at the expense of pilots, airline employees and the flying public, we will use all lawful means necessary to ensure the completion of that transaction is unsuccessful, " declared Capt. Pierce. He continued, "We have invested a substantial part of our lives making Continental Airlines what it is today, and we will vigorously fight any action that even hints at destroying that investment."

The pilots union for Continental pilots sent a letter to company management stating their formal requirements for support of a merger. Among the stipulations are the creation of a profitable merged company with sufficient market presence and network scope to provide a stable platform for growth and sustainable profits; fair and equitable seniority list integration; an expedited Collective Bargaining Agreement for the merged company with substantial improvements for all pilots; shares in the equity of the merged company.

FMI: www.continental.com, www.alpa.org