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

Friday, March 24, 2006    

IAM Representatives at Continental Airlines have been receiving a number of concerns and complaints from the members regarding the new enhanced Jumpseat and Commuter provisions as they are being administered by Local Management. District Lodge 142 Representatives are attempting to schedule a meeting with the Company as soon as possible to discuss these problems.   Flight Attendants with any issues when attempting to utilize these provisions should provide your IAM Representatives with the details.  We will advise you of any new developments as they occur.

The IAM has announced that it will sponsor a Flight Attendant Conference May 30^th through June 2^nd, 2006, at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.  Participants will include your Local Lodge Officers and Grievance Committee Members as well as any flight attendant members who want to attend on a voluntary basis.  Transportation to and from the conference will be provided along with meals and lodging.  Topics at the conference will include contract familiarization, the Family Medical Leave Act and the history of the Union movement in America.  If you would like to attend please contact your Local Lodge President as soon as possible so we can plan for the number of interested participants.  We look forward to seeing you!

Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants Voting on Tentative Agreement – Your IAM Flight Attendant Negotiating Committee has reached a tentative agreement with Continental Micronesia for a new contract.  Membership voting will continue through March 30^th, 2006.  Implementation is contingent on Flight Attendant ratification.  Please check with your Local Lodge and District Representatives for the times and places for voting. Your Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your solidarity and support which made this agreement possible.

ExpressJet Negotiations are scheduled to resume in Washington, D.C., on April 24^th, 25^th and 26^th, 2006. The process is governed by the Railway Labor Act and is currently in mediation.  Your Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your continued solidarity and support, which is essential to reach an agreement that you will ratify.  We will update you with any developments as they occur.

Delta, pilots union must return to talks - The head of an arbitration panel ordered Delta Air Lines and its pilots union to return to negotiations immediately. Delta says it must reduce costs related to the pilots' contract by more than $300 million a year; the union says the company does not need such deep cuts. 

Northwest Airlines is moving quickly through bankruptcy, securing concessions with most major labor groups. Some experts say the bankruptcy process may damage the company's relationship with its employees and possible merger prospects.

Airline employees perform many roles as their companies’ lower costs and cut jobs. AirTran Airways employee Bernardo Dunbar is a ticket agent, luggage handler and snack carrier. Sometimes he drives the tugs that nudge planes away from their gates.  He is the product of an industry that has slashed thousands of jobs in the last several years.  Employers have pressed the workers they have remaining, such as Dunbar, to perform multiple tasks.

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, April 11^th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Cleveland: Thursday, April 13^th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam: Wednesday, April 19^th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston: Wednesday, April 26^th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.