Continental's questionable firings

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - From fueling planes to loading and unloading baggage, fleet service workers, or bag handlers, are the ground crew keeping airline passengers in the air.

But just a few weeks ago, Continental Airlines announced it is eliminating all of its 19 bag handler positions at Norfolk International Airport. Instead it will outsource the jobs to contractors.

WAVY.com spoke with two employees affected by the decision. They requested we retain their identities for fear of losing their severance.

One of the bag handlers said, "[The] human resources department came in with our severance packages, told us as of May 31st we no longer had jobs...."

But it's the timing of the layoffs that has employees questioning the airline's motives.

In February, Continental's fleet service workers voted to join the Teamsters union.

Teamsters Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne tells WAVY.com for the layoffs to come so soon after the workers joined the union, it's "very disturbing." Capt. Bourne understands if Continental were cutting the jobs altogether, and not using subcontractors "however these jobs aren't going away. They are still servicing there, they're still having those stations, they just want to staff them non-union."

In a statement released to WAVY.com, Continental airlines said:

"This change is part of an initiative that Continental began implementing over the past two years. The affected airports are the only remaining airports at which Continental performs ground-handling services for its regional partner airlines."

The union is now working to keep the bag handlers employed with Continental.

"...[W]e are currently, right now, in discussions with the company so we can secure the affected employees ability to remain with Continental," Capt. Bourne added.

Continental confirmed that statement, saying "Continental has talked to the union and is still talking to the union regarding opportunities for the affected employees."