On Tuesday, December 22, 2009, in a show of solidarity, Continental Airline Mechanics engaged in informational picketing at airport terminals in
At EWR members began hand billing Tuesday morning at both the Domestic and International departure levels of Terminal C. For the better part of three hours nearly a thousand flyers were distributed to passengers at the terminal. There was also much dialogue between our mechanics and the flying public concerning our recent struggles with Continental at the negotiating table. Most of the passengers were extremely supportive. One went as far as refusing to enter the Terminal if we were on strike. We obviously advised him otherwise.
Unfortunately, three hours into the day the Port Authority police arrived and questioned us on the parameters of the permit. They claimed Continental was highly irate and very disturbed at the message a handful of us were able to convey to the public in such a short time. At one point it seemed every passenger inside the Terminal had a red flyer either in their hand or in a pocket of their luggage or coat. Continental had reached out to the airport manager and asked to have us removed.
Although very cordial the Port Authority unfortunately took sides with the Company and reneged on the parameters previously agreed to on the permit. The Lieutenant who initially issued the permit was asked to arrive on the scene. He proceeded to give us new parameters. We were now only allowed to hand bill out by the courtyard on the side of Terminal C where the employee busses park. A small group hand billed there for a short while but the effect was obviously diminished at that point. The Local Union has placed a call to the powers that be at the Port authority to discuss future picketing events and our ability to exercise free speech.
We would like to take a moment to thank all of you who gave some time to help fight for our cause. Future dates for picketing are being planned and we will inform you once we have established the date and guidelines for the next event.
In Solidarity,
Local 210-IBT