Continental Flight Attendants Speak Out On Pension – With their retirement security at stake, Continental Airlines Flight Attendants are speaking out about the vote to transition from an under-funded, company-sponsored pension plan into the IAM National Pension Plan (NPP).  “For many Flight Attendants, the choice between the National Pension Plan and the Continental Airlines Retirement Plan (CARP) is a no-brainer,” said Cleveland-based Flight Attendant Marcus Valentino.  They’ve compared their benefits and seen the wreckage of airline pension plans that didn’t survive deregulation, bankruptcy or restructuring.”  Flight Attendants at Continental Micronesia already participate in the NPP.  IAM members at United Airlines, US Airways, Northwest Airlines and Aloha Airlines have also ratified the NPP.  It is the only defined benefit pension plan to survive bankruptcy and reorganization at those carriers.  “I came to Continental from another airline that had the National Pension Plan.  That airline is gone and the union no longer represents the former employees, but the NPP still pays benefits,” said -based Flight Attendant Charlie Hromjah-Black.  “Single-employer airline plans like CARP can’t match a multi-employer plan like the NPP when it comes to preserving benefits you’ve earned.”

More information about the Continental pension vote is available at www.iamdl142.org/fa.

Ballots have been mailed to all Continental Airlines Flight Attendants to participate in a ratification vote on an amendment to the IAM/CAL Collective Bargaining Agreement covering "PENSION BENEFITS" while employed by Continental Airlines.  The ballot packet includes information on the IAM National Pension Plan (NPP), instructions on voting, and a DVD entitled “Secure Your Future”, featuring CAL Flight Attendants discussing the benefits of transitioning to the NPP.  The ballots were mailed to your address on file with the Union on January 17, 2007.  Ballots must be received by District Lodge 142 no later than February 13, 2007.  Please make any address updates at: www.iamdl142.org/fa or call District Lodge 142 at 816-452-6646.

ExpressJet has announced that it will launch branded service using 50-seat regional jets.  Less than 20% of the company's fleet will be dedicated to independent flying, and it will continue operating flights for Continental Airlines, executives say.   In conjunction with this new service, ExpressJet Inflight Management has announced that they will be opening a new domicile in Ontario, California (ONT), effective April 1^st, 2007.  There will be approximately 125 vacancies for the ONT base.  For more information on the new base opening and how to submit a transfer request, refer to CIL # 07-08.  The deadline for submitting a transfer request is March 1^st, 2007.

Continental Flight Attendants can now view a Pension Video entitled “Secure Your Future” that features fellow flight attendants discussing the differences and benefits of the IAM National Pension Plan as it relates to CARP.  To view the entire video online, go to www.iamdl142.org/fa right now.  Learn more about what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.  Visit with your District and Local Lodge Representatives in your crew room or go to the NPP website at www.iamnpf.org for more information.

US Airways Withdraws Delta Bid After Creditors Wouldn’t Support It – US Airways on Wednesday withdrew its offer for Delta Air Lines after Delta's creditors said they would not support the bid. The committee of unsecured creditors formally endorsed Delta's plan to emerge from bankruptcy as an independent airline. Some analysts believe the canceled deal signals airline consolidation will not occur for at least another year. The committee said it considered many factors, including the deal's valuation, timing, risks and likelihood of success.

Northwest Expects To Remain Independent In 2007, CEO Says – Northwest Airlines is "fixed" and is prepared to exit bankruptcy protection as an independent airline, CEO Doug Steenland said Tuesday.  However, he also said he expects airline consolidation at some point.

Guam:          Wednesday, February 21^st, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.