Continental Pilots Vote in Favor of Increasing Merger Funds

HOUSTON, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Continental Pilots
voted in favor of an assessment that will increase funding amounts to bolster
their merger fund. Capt. Jay Pierce, the leader of the local Continental
pilots' union, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association said, "The
ratification of the measure shows that pilots at Continental Airlines are
preparing themselves in the event the Airline becomes engaged in a potential
merger". The money from the assessment would be added to funds already in the
union's merger war chest. "If Continental management announces its intent to
merge with another airline, we'll be ready," Pierce said.
"If we determine that a merger is designed for the benefit of airline
executives, Wall Street financial groups and legal firms at the expense of
pilots, airline employees and the flying public, we will use all lawful means
necessary to ensure the completion of that transaction is unsuccessful, "
declared Capt. Pierce. He continued, "We have invested a substantial part of
our lives making Continental Airlines what it is today, and we will vigorously
fight any action that even hints at destroying that investment."
The pilots union for Continental pilots sent a letter to their company
management stating their formal requirements for support of a merger. Among
the stipulations are the following:
1. Creation of a profitable merged company with sufficient market
presence and network scope to provide a stable platform for growth
and sustainable profits.
2. Fair and equitable seniority list integration.
3. An expedited Collective Bargaining Agreement for the merged company
with substantial improvements for all pilots.
4. Share in the equity of the merged company.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union representing more
than 60,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.
SOURCE Air Line Pilots Association

Capt. Mark Adams, +1-281-987-3636, +1-512-560-6112 (cell),
mark.adams@alpa.org, or Jim Moody, +1-281-987-3636