Continental Airlines Fleet Service Workers' Union Election Set for January 4-February 8

(Washington, D.C.) - Nearly 8,000 Continental Airlines fleet service employees will vote between Jan. 4 and Feb. 8 on whether to form a union with the Teamsters.

This is what we have been waiting for-our election dates, said Alonzo Sheppard, a fleet service worker in Houston, Continental's largest hub.

We have worked very hard here in Houston, establishing our committee and talking to our co-workers about the importance of forming our union with the Teamsters. We are excited about this election.

Workers in Newark are thrilled that we will finally get to vote on joining the best union for workers in the airline industry, a union that can win-the Teamsters Union, said Liam Alcock, a cargo worker in Newark, the airline's second largest hub. We see how Teamster representation has benefitted the 3,600 Teamster mechanics at Continental, and we want some of the same protections that come with a strong Teamster contract.

The National Mediation Board (NMB) election will be done by telephone and the Internet. The votes will be counted at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) on Feb. 8. Of the nearly 8,000 eligible voters, about 2,900 are employed in Houston, 2,600 in Newark and 600 in Cleveland.

The NMB is currently considering a rule change that will make Railway Labor Act (RLA) elections fairer, but the Continental election will fall under the current rules.

The Teamsters Union has fought hard for the rule change, but we are confident that even without that change in effect, the Continental workers will finally be successful in forming their union, said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. We look forward to welcoming the nearly 8,000 Continental fleet service workers into our union, where they will join the mechanics in getting the protections and strength they deserve for a more secure future.

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