The
Update Message from the International Association of
Machinists representing Continental, ExpressJet and
Continental Micronesia
Flight Attendants in the 2339 Local Lodges
Friday, July 7, 2006
ExpressJet Negotiations resumed this week in Houston, Texas.
Significant progress was made on the remaining issues and
the parties have agreed to continue negotiations in an
attempt to reach a new tentative agreement. Negotiations are
currently in mediation, under the Railway Labor Act. Your
Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your continued
solidarity and support. We will keep you advised of any new
developments as they occur.
Continental Airlines announced that it has raised $156
million by selling 7.5 million of its 11.9 million
shares of the parent of Copa Airlines. Copa Airlines is
based in Panama. Continental used almost half of the
proceeds, $75 million, to fund its pension plans.
Aviation High School Graduates
Take Flight - The Machinists union this year
continued its tradition of participating in the graduation
ceremony at New York City’s Aviation High School. Graduates
of the school’s unique program receive not only a high
school diploma, but also the FAA Airframe and Powerplant
(A&P) licenses necessary for a career in aviation
maintenance. Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. awarded
three graduates with professional tool boxes and presented
the school with two $5,000 donations, one from the Grand
Lodge and one from District Lodge 142. The IAM has worked
with Air Wisconsin and Pratt & Whitney to place Aviation
High School graduates in jobs working under IAM contracts.
IAM Local Lodge Gives Discovery A
Lift - After two weather delays, the space shuttle
Discovery launched successfully into orbit Tuesday, marking
the first launch of a space shuttle on the Fourth of July.
More than 1,100 IAM members from District 166 and Local 2061
in Cape Canaveral, FL, performed group support, as well as
base and crane operations. They worked tirelessly behind the
scenes to make the launch a success. “Launching the Space
Shuttle was a great way to help celebrate America’s
birthday,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “Our
members play a vital role in America’s space program.
Congratulations to everyone involved for making this a safe
and successful launch.”
Continental Airlines' customers
want in-flight Internet service, according to the
company's chief executive, Larry Kellner. Continental is
waiting for the technology to develop and for the cost of
offering the service to come down, Kellner said.
Northwest Flight Attendants Vote
to Switch Unions - A majority of Northwest Airlines
flight attendants voted to join the Association of Flight
Attendants and oust their current union, the independent
PFAA. The AFA said it would immediately start contract talks
with the company. Northwest has received permission from a
bankruptcy judge to impose new contract terms on July 17th,
if a negotiated settlement is not reached by that date.
Two Airlines Reduce Schedules To
Save Expenses - Delta Air Lines and Northwest
Airlines have scaled back their schedules over the past 12
months in an effort to lower costs. This month, Delta is
offering 14% fewer flights than it did a year ago; Northwest
is operating 15% fewer flights.
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,
July 11th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.
Cleveland: Thursday,
July 13th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.
Guam:
Wednesday, July 19th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference
Room.
Houston: Wednesday,
July 26th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.
