Continental pilots mark anniversary of contract amendable date without a new contract

Continental Airlines' approximately 5,000 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association Int'l (ALPA), stated (28-Dec-2009) another year has passed without a new contract in place with the carrier. The current concessionary agreement was signed in Apr-2005 and became amendable on 31-Dec-2008. Negotiations for a successor agreement commenced in Jul-2007, but tentative agreements have been reached on only nine of 32 sections of the contract. The union stated it presented a "comprehensive proposal" to management on 09-Dec-2009, "bringing all remaining sections of the contract to the table, most notably those dealing with economic issues such as pay, work rules and benefits". [more]

Continental Airlines pilots: "Everything is now on the table. We are looking forward to seeing how our new CEO, Jeff Smisek, will assess the value of Continental pilots and the significant contributions we've made to help our airline. Our pilots have given over USD200 million to Continental each year through cuts in pay, benefits and work rules under our current agreement. Our proposal reflects the significant level of sacrifice made by our pilots and their families and the need to rebalance the equation. As we renew our negotiating efforts in 2010, we expect management to recognize the fact that improvements in our contract are long overdue", Capt Jay Pierce, Union Leader. Source: ALPA, 28-Dec-2009.