thanks for the feedback.
However, FT is full of first hand (even second hand) experience reporting (without "producing the proof"). The comments mentioned above have been made by more than a dozen employees (connected with various aspects of airport functions at both EWR and JFK) first hand over past many years.
Mr. Cotton's office has been contacted for further clarification/background. Will report back if we get any.
"If there were long lines in front of EY/EK/AI desks then it was because of the lack of staff with the ground handling company, not the terminal operator"
It should be noted that Mr. Cotton asked the terminal operator, not airlines for the redress. Most likely he knows where the problem lies.