NMB Announces Single-Carrier Status for Continental, United Ramp Workers

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Apr 28, 2011, 03:16 ET

Decision Paves Way For Election Of Nearly 15,000 Fleet Service, Ramp Workers

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the National Mediation Board (NMB) issued a decision finding that United and Continental are single carriers for the purpose of labor relations. For the Continental fleet service, cargo and operations workers, and the United and Continental Micronesia ramp, cargo and operations workers, this means the NMB will soon order an election.

The Teamsters currently represent about 7,300 fleet service workers at Continental and 400 workers at Continental Micronesia, while the Machinists Union represents about 6,500 ramp workers at United.

"This is exciting news," said Jerome Richards, a member of Teamsters Local Union 210 in New York City who works as a Continental customer service agent in Newark. "I look forward to reaching out to my co-workers to continue building a strong Teamsters Union at the new United."

"I'm glad the decision has finally arrived," said David Clinton, a ramp serviceman at United at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. "It's time to get the vote on. My co-workers and I are ready to form our union with the Teamsters and join our brothers and sisters from Continental."

Richards is a 12-year employee of Continental, and Clinton is a 15-year employee at United.

The Teamsters also represent the mechanics at both United and at Continental. The Teamsters Union represents 64,000 workers in the aviation industry and continues to organize members in every craft and class.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters