The Update Message from the International Association of Machinists representing Continental, ExpressJet and
Continental Micronesia
Flight Attendants in the 2339 Local Lodges

Friday, January 6, 2006

The Union continues to post questions and answers based on inquiries to the District 142 web site and to Union representatives in the crew rooms.  These Q&As can be found at www.iamdl142.org/fa.  Please use this important tool to get updated information regarding the ongoing ratification process.  In-person ratification voting will take place over a twelve day period from January 18-29, 2006. A separate but simultaneous strike vote will also be taken.

 Recently, emails have surfaced on the web spreading false information regarding the Tentative Agreement.  A Q&A regarding the ratification process was mailed today from District 142 which serves to correct the information that has been circulated in an apparent attempt to confuse the membership.  The mailing will also be placed in flight attendant v-files.  The following questions and answers are included in the letter:

 Q:        What happens if the tentative agreement is approved by the membership?

A:        Pay for January vacations and training will be at the new contract rates and there will be no 401(k) match for the month of January.  All other provisions of the agreement will be effective the first day of the February bid month.        

Q:        What happens if the tentative is voted down?

A:        The National Mediation Board (NMB) has indicated to the parties if the agreement is not ratified it will declare an impasse.  The next step in the process is for the Board to proffer arbitration to the parties.  If one side rejects the proffer, a 30-day cooling off period begins.  If the President of the United States does not intervene during the cooling off period by appointing a Presidential Emergency Board, the parties are free to seek self help at the end of the 30-day countdown.  If the membership has voted to go on strike, and a strike is called, the company is free to implement any wages, work rules and benefits it desires during which time it is also free to alter and amend those terms.  (This is similar to what happened in 1983.)  Continental's only restriction without a valid contract is to conform to minimum applicable labor, safety and wage laws.

 Q:        If the Company rejects the proffer mentioned in the first question, don’t they just implement the tentative we are now voting on.

A:        No.  The Company would be free to implement any wages, work rules and benefits.  There is no implementing the tentative you are voting on unless it is approved and ratified by those voting. 

Q:        What happens if I don’t vote?

A:        Only votes cast are counted.  Failing to vote is neither a “yes” nor a “no”.  Failing to vote is putting your decision in the hands of others.

 Independence stopped operating Thursday night. The airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection two months ago, said it cannot find a buyer or an investor to keep it operating.

 Southwest Airlines plans to add more flights from Denver International Airport, the Denver Post reports. The airline began nonstop service today from Denver to Phoenix, Las Vegas and Chicago. Chief Executive Gary Kelly says Southwest could eventually operate 50 daily flights from Denver.

 Northwest Airlines says it needs at least six more months to develop and file its reorganization plan. The airline says it still needs to complete negotiations that will help lower labor expenses.

 The International Air Transport Association expects the world's airlines to lose $6 billion in 2006. Carriers continue to look for ways to lower costs as they face high fuel prices.

The Union would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  Due to the IAM Organizing Summit in January, the Local Lodge meeting for has been changed to January 17. 2006, and the meeting for Cleveland has been changed to January 19, 2006.

We would like to encourage all members to attend your Local Lodge business meeting. Each base must have a quorum to conduct business. The following is a schedule for upcoming meetings:  

: Tuesday, January 17, 3:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel.

Cleveland: Thursday, January 19, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive;

Guam: Wednesday, January 16, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room;
Houston: Wednesday, January 23, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd;