Airline merger could spark inter-union fights

Last week, United Airlines and Continental announced they were merging.  Now, The Street reminds us that, although the majority of both airlines are unionized, in some cases, there are different unions representing the same work groups at the respective airlines, which could prompt a war:

To summarize, the IAM represents about 9,500 flight attendants (about 8,400 are active) at Continental, while the Association of Flight Attendants represents 16,000 flight attendants at United (about 13,000 are active). The IAM represents about 7,900 fleet service workers at United, while the Teamsters represent about 7,600 fleet service workers at Continental. The IAM represents 8,100 customer service agents at United, while Continental agents do not have union representation.

If fighting does break out, it is likely to be have the Teamsters at its center as there has been animosity between the IAM and Teamsters for years. 

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“I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes.” Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776

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