Picketing Teamsters jam NYC sidewalk in solidarity with pilots

Just moments ago in New York City outside of Republic Airways shareholders' meeting. Teamsters and Teamster pilots.

Teamsters are raising a ruckus on the sidewalks of Manhattan in support of their Republic Airways brothers from Local 357 in Plainfield, Ind. The airline's management abuses the pilots so badly that some qualify for food stamps. It's a spirited, red-blooded picket line outside of Republic's annual meeting.

Truckers driving by honked in support and pedestrians posed in front of the giant inflatable rat for picture taking.

Craig Moffatt, president of  Teamsters Local 357 and a Republic pilot, walked the line with his members and dozens of New York Teamsters. Said Moffatt:

We want a contract that's fair and equitable. No more excuses, no more whining.

Protesters echoed that sentiment in the well-known call-and-response chant: "What do we want?" "Contract!" "When do we want it?" "Now!"

Teamsters International Vice President George Miranda is there holding a sign that says, "Republic CEO gets lifetime medical -- Pilots get food stamps.

The picketing pilots are handing out fliers that say, "Attention Air Travelers: Turbulence Ahead at Republic Airways...Don't Let Your Summer Plans Be Grounded."

And yes, that means the pilots may be forced to strike after the company refused to negotiate a contract after five years.

Inside the building at 666 Fifth Ave. representatives of the Teamsters General Fund will be calling for an independent chairman of the board. We'll let you know how that shareholder vote turns out.