Continental Fleet Service Workers Ratify Solid First Contract

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Dec 29, 2010, 04:04 ET

Agreement Provides For Multiple Job Protections, Significant Wage Increases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fleet service workers at Continental Airlines have ratified their first contract, Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa announced today. The agreement, which covers about 7,600 workers, was ratified by an 84-16 percent margin and goes into effect retroactively to July 1, 2010.

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"This is a milestone for Continental fleet service Teamsters," Hoffa said. "I congratulate these workers on their first major agreement and vow to put the full force of the Teamsters Union behind them as they approach a second contract for the combined CAL-UAL workforce."

The agreement comes less than a year after the work group voted to become Teamsters and offers protections to fleet service workers during Continental's merger with United Airlines.

Improvements and gains in the contract include protections against unjust discipline, terminations, outsourcing and furloughs, and provides for 10.5 percent pay increases over the life of the 30-month contract.

"This is really a true example of Teamster power," said Teamster Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne. "The negotiating committee worked very, very hard and did the near impossible by negotiating a good contract in a remarkable time period. CAL workers are well positioned during the merger process and for the next round of negotiations which will take place in the near future."

"This contract is a good first step for CAL workers," said Miguel Vasquez, a fleet service worker in Newark, New Jersey who served on the negotiating committee. "This contract gives us added protections that we need, including an important grievance procedure."

"I'm looking forward to having some solid protections in writing," said James Wells, a fleet service worker in Boston. "Without a contract we don't have any real power, but now we'll be able to flex some muscle when we stand up for our rights."

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters