On March 12, 2008, more than 500 pilots from Continental and other airlines participated in a Unification Rally in the New York City Financial District and Battery Park. A number of pilots from Alaska, Delta, ExpressJet, and United Airlines joined the Continental pilots to deliver a message: management must deal with pilots to build successful airlines. The march was organized by the Continental MEC of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). An ALPA news release about the Unification Rally explained:
Continental pilots gave up more than $200 million annually in concessions in their last contract as a “loan” to help their airline 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 which becomes amendable Dec. 31, 2008.Speakers included Continental MEC chairman, Capt. Jay Pierce, local union representative Capt. Al Brandano, and ALPA president, Capt. John Prater.
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