Several members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen participated in a major Teamster rally in Cleveland on September 18, supporting Continental Airlines fleet service workers in their bid to join the Teamsters.

Acting President Paul Sorrow and members of Division 3 in Cleveland met with Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa for the rally at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

President Hoffa assured the Continental fleet service workers, who are fighting for representation in the workplace, that the power and strength of the Teamsters union is behind them both on the ground and in the nation’s courts.

Hoffa announced that the Teamsters have filed a lawsuit against the airline for violating workers’ rights to organize. The company has refused to allow its employees to distribute union literature in the workplace, including in break room and public bulletin boards.

While in Cleveland, Hoffa met with workers, listened to their stories and led a group of fleet service workers through the corridors of the Hopkins International Airport to garner attention and gain support. He was joined by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), who greeted Continental employees and listened to their concerns.

More than 8,000 Continental fleet service workers nationwide are exercising their right to join a union through a national organizing campaign.