(Washington, D.C.) - Teamsters employed across the country by Continental Airlines, Inc. today ratified contract modifications by an overwhelming margin. Approximately 3,430 aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and related workers are covered by the agreement.

“This contract strengthens workers’ positions at Continental Airlines,” said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. “This is a difficult time for airlines, but we fought hard to include job protections-including a no-furlough clause-that these skilled, hardworking Teamsters deserve.”

The contract includes caps on workers’ health insurance costs, a clause that prohibits loss of jobs through furloughs and stronger language in the case of bankruptcy. Numerous items in the workers’ current contract, such as their 401(k) plan, sick leave and vacation time, are unchanged.

The Continental employees voted by a 72 percent to 28 percent margin (1,751 to 667) to ratify this new agreement. These contract modifications take effect on April 1 and run until December 31, 2008.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.