ExpressJet Charter Update – On Monday, December 18th, 2006, we filed a Temporary Restraining Order requesting the court to force the Company to abide by the status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act.  A hearing was held on December 20th on this request.  In light of our filing the Company advised the court they would abide by the status quo of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and will negotiate the provisions of the charter operation in accordance with Letter of Agreement 6.  It is unfortunate that what should be an exciting development for the flight attendants has come to this.  We urge the flight attendants that will fly these upcoming charters to be vigilant in monitoring the Company’s requirement to comply with the terms of the current agreement.  Negotiations on this issue will resume next week, January 10th & 11th, 2007, in Houston.  We look forward to successfully concluding this matter to the benefit of everyone involved.  Your continued patience and support will assure a fair and equitable resolution.  Sincerely and fraternally, Art Teolis, Julie Frietchen & Brian Wozniak, IAM District 142 General Chairpersons.

Continental Flight Attendants can now review a Pension Plan Q & A that addresses many of the most frequently asked questions and provides answers for you to consider.  Copies of the Q & A are available in the crew rooms at the Union Desk or you can view them online at www.iamdl142.org/fa right now.  Learn more about what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.  Visit the NPP website at www.iamnpf.org for more information.

Dues increases for all of the 2339 Local Lodges for 2007 will be $1.00 per month.  In accordance with Local Lodge by-laws, each 2339 Local Lodge requested and was granted a special dispensation from the Grand Lodge to continue to use the per capita dues calculation to determine monthly dues for 2007.  Without the special dispensation, dues would be calculated at 2 times the average hourly rate of the work group.  Dues for Continental Airlines Flight Attendants will increase from 42.50 to 43.50 per month.  Dues for the Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants will increase from 42.52 to 43.52 per month.  Dues for ExpressJet Flight Attendants will increase from 33.50 to 34.50 per month.  Members should see these increases reflected in their January, 2007, dues deduction column on their pay registers.

Continental Sees Small Fourth-Quarter Loss – Continental Airlines says it expects to report a small loss in the fourth quarter.  Wall Street analysts had expected the carrier to earn seven cents per share. Shares of Continental climbed 6.2% despite the forecast.
Delta, US Airways Vie For Creditor’s Support – Executives at Delta Air Lines and US Airways are competing for the support of Delta's creditors.  US Airways has launched a merger bid for Delta, but Delta's board has rejected the offer and says it is better off emerging from bankruptcy protection as an independent carrier. Separately, Delta posted a $49 million loss in November.

Airlines Expected To Return To Profitability After Years Of Losses – U.S. airlines will report their first profit since 2000, and some analysts also expect strong profits in 2007.  However, analysts also note that potential mergers could increase costs for the industry and hurt earnings.  The Air Transport Association expects carriers to earn 2006 profits of between $2 billion and $3 billion.  Additionally, industry forecasts predict that the number of people who travel will increase in 2007.