The workers are members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Lodge 142. In an attempt to limit the effectiveness and impact of the strike, the union has been forced to picket in only a remote parking lot, about three miles from the main terminal, rather than the regular employees' parking lot.

Denver International Airport (DIA), which is owned by the city, is located about 40 miles east of downtown in an area surrounded by farmland. Workers set up picket lines two hours after turning down the contract. They are demanding changes in work conditions and improved wages and benefits.

An October 2 rally at the remote parking lot gate was joined by mechanics, pilots, and flight attendants, as well as other unionists and politicians. Bob Greene, president of the Colorado AFL-CIO, said, "I'd like to send a message to [Denver] Mayor [Wellington] Webb: It's wrong when you place pickets out in the middle of nowhere, with only the jack rabbits around.... These workers have a right to picket at their place of employment." United pilot Scott Goff pledged support to the strikers, stating that the Air Line Pilots Association members "stand four-square behind you. You make us proud to be union members."

On October 4 the union went before U.S. District Chief Judge Lewis Babcock to get a temporary restraining order against the city that would let the picket line move from the parking lot to the main terminal. Tom Buescher, attorney for the strikers, argued that the right to picket at their place of work is "purely a First Amendment freedom of speech issue. The city won't allow picketing at the terminal because it doesn't like...what others might do." The city attorney argued that it was the intent of the IAM to involve employees of other companies in their picket. The judge stated, "It appears to me that it's more probable than not that the object of the plaintiffs is to create a prohibited secondary boycott. If I allow pickets to be set up at levels five and six of the terminal [where workers and passengers enter], it is not reasonably likely but probable that it would create chaos at DIA." The next legal step is a preliminary injunction hearing that the judge set for October 20.

Don Sandrin, who has worked on the automated baggage system since the airport was completed in 1995, said much of the workers' dispute with Phelps revolves around job security and seniority issues. He wore a picket sign that said: "Dear Mayor Webb. Having a lousy time here in Eastern Colorado Wilderness! Wish you were here! P.S. When you find the time, please send us our rights!"