Continental Pilots to Rally March 12 in New York City Financial District in Support of Contract Negotiations

Pilots demand 'repayment for loans' made under concessionary contract What:

The Continental Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association Intl (ALPA), are rallying to tell management: the loan is due. Continental Airlines pilots gave up over $200M annually in concessions in their last contract as a "loan" to help Continental Airlines overcome the threat of bankruptcy and help management achieve success. Continental is now one of the most prosperous airline carriers, achieving a 2007 pre-tax profit of $566M. Continental pilots believe the time for repayment of their "loan" is now due and they should share in the rewards and profits made possible by their sacrifices that are now being enjoyed by management. Continental pilots are preparing for the start of negotiations for the economic items of their contract (pay, benefits, etc.), which becomes amendable Dec. 31, 2008.

Hundreds of pilots, in uniform, will be conducting informational picketing in the Financial District, followed by a rally in Battery Park.

Speakers at Battery Park will include Continental union leader Capt. Jay Pierce, local union representative Capt. Al Brandano, and ALPA president Capt. John Prater.

Photo opportunities: pilots in uniform walking the informational picketing line and rallying to speakers in Battery Park.

Union leaders will be available for comment (please call to arrange).

When:
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
8:00 am-9:15 am ET: load buses, Newark Airport Hotel, 1000 Spring Street,
Elizabeth NJ 07201

11:00 am-1:00 pm ET: informational picketing lines at Broad St and Exchange Pl

1:30 pm-2:25 pm ET: rally in Battery Park, Clinton Castle

Where:
NYC Financial District

Informational Picketing: area at Broad St and Exchange Pl (11:00 am-1:00 pm ET)

Battery Park Rally: Battery Park, Clinton Castle (1:30 pm-2:25 pm ET)

CONTACT: Capt. Mark Adams, +1-281-987-3636, cell, +1-512-560-6112, or Jim Moody, +1-281-987-3636, both of the Air Line Pilots Association

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- March 7/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Air Line Pilots Association

2008-03-07 17:54:54 0307550 PRNEWSWIRE