“The excitement among my co-workers is very high because we know that we will have a strong contract that will give us job security and bring fairness to our jobs,” said Jose Ramirez, a worker in Houston. “It feels great to be a Teamster.”  “This is historic news for Continental workers in Newark and at stations across the country,” said Christian Cepeda, a fleet service worker in Newark. “We have tried five times to form a union in the past, but with the help of the Teamsters we have succeeded. We intend to work hard to make our jobs better for ourselves and for our families.” 

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has informed Continental Airlines that its fleet service employees voted in favor of representation by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "We respect the choice our co-workers have made," said Mike Bonds, Continental's senior vice president human resources and labor relations. "Regardless of whether co-workers are union or non-union, we're focused on achieving and maintaining profitability and preserving our long-standing culture of working together." Continental's fleet service employees covered by the election include ramp, operations and cargo agents.