The two airlines are expected to be fully integrated by the middle of 2012.  The Secretary Treasurer for the Continental Master Executive Council, Randy Hodge, detailed how pilots have worked on a continue in force contract since 1997 and desired an agreement so the company can reach full synergy.  Hodge said, “We negotiated in 30 days that gave up our pensions to save the company from bankruptcy.  We think they are dragging their feet here.”

The pilots marched quietly back and forth in an enclosed area decked out in full uniform.  The pilots purposely decided against whistles and other noisemakers to draw attention to the proceedings, unlike the Occupy Wall Street protests located a few blocks away and August’s Verizon employee protests.  Hodge stated this was because the pilots “were professionals and very disciplined”. The group, represented by the Air Lines Pilots Association, concluded that the best strategy would be to act respectfully and show strong numbers.

The strategy was designed to appeal to frequent fliers in the Wall Street area and show that the merger between the two airlines was not proceeding as smoothly as presented by the company.  Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the Continental pilots union, said in a statement, “Management may be attempting to portray success with the progress of the merger, but the reality is that it takes more than painting airplanes, hanging new airport signs and revamping a frequent-flier program.  Real process with implementing the merger requires the involvement of pilots and an acknowledgement by management of the contributions that pilots make in creating a successful airline.”