Fri, Jan 02, 2009
Continental Airlines pilots, represented by ALPA, tell ANN that
they are pressing for a 'renewed focus on negotiations for a new
contract.' The pilots' contract becomes amendable as of Dec. 31,
2008. Negotiations for a new contract first began back in July
2007. To date, the parties have completed tentative agreements for
eight sections of the contract, but dozens more remain untouched,
including prime issues such as pay, work rules, benefits and
retirement.
Says Capt. Jay Pierce, leader of the Continental pilots' unit of
ALPA, "Our pilots have been working long enough under the
concessions of our current contract -- over $200M in concessions
each year since it was signed in 2005. The givebacks that were
designed to help keep Continental out of bankruptcy were a 'loan'
to secure our futures -- that loan was due Dec. 31, 2008 and now it
is past due. We're calling for an earnest effort by management to
negotiate a new contract."
Although much of 2008 was a tough year for airlines, the
industry is now seeing record low fuel prices and increased revenue
through added fees and more profitable routes. Continental is
poised for a turnaround in 2009. Says Capt. Pierce, "Just as we
were a partner in sharing the pain needed to prevent bankruptcy, we
should be a full partner in the plans for the future. What the
pilots are owed is more than relief from concessions. We need
relief from the fatigue and stress of flying more hours,
strengthened quality of life through our work rules, strengthened
retirement and benefits that are there for us when we need them,
and more robust job security protections as Continental changes its
alliance structure."
ALPA represents 52,500 pilots at 36 airlines in the U.S. and
Canada, including the nearly 5,000 pilots at Continental
Airlines.
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