Teamsters leader lends help to effort at airline

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6535313.html

By MARY TUMA Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
July 18, 2009, 12:14AM


Nick de la Torre Chronicle
James Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president, takes notice of a tattoo worn by Robin Rosser of Continental Airlines on Friday. He spoke to ramp workers in Houston.


James Hoffa, Teamsters union general president, visited Houston on Friday as part of the union's push to organize Continental Airlines fleet service workers.

Previous efforts — not by the Teamsters — to unionize the employees failed as not enough workers voted in favor.

“With their enthusiasm and our resources, I think this is a win-win,” Hoffa said.

Said Continental spokeswoman Mary Clark: “We've been through these union organization attempts many times over the last 13 years. … And they have repeatedly been unsuccessful in their efforts to unionize these employees.” Clark declined to comment further.

Four miles from Bush Intercontinental Airport, ramp workers and local and national Teamsters gathered at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel.

The union is hoping the size, scope and manpower of the union yield better results.

FULL story at link.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

1. Oh, I would LOVE to see the CO people organize -

it was that fucking Frank Lorenzo who did such a good job of busting the airline unions almost thirty years ago.

Oh, I hope.........................