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

Friday, March 3, 2006

IAM/Continental Micronesia Reach Tentative Agreement – Your IAM Fight Attendant Negotiating Committee today reached a tentative agreement with Continental Micronesia for a new contract.  This agreement addresses Flight Attendant’s economic and job issues to the greatest extent possible while considering the company’s current condition, enabling it to compete in the turbulent times the industry is encountering.  A copy of the Agreement with an explanation of each change is being printed and mailed to the most recent address each Flight Attendant has on file with Continental Micronesia.  Following informational meetings, membership voting will be conducted beginning March 21^st through 30^th, 2006.  Implementation is contingent on Flight Attendant ratification.  The times and places for voting will be forthcoming.  Highlights include maintaining pay rates, the highest in the industry, adding a 16^th year pay rate at the amendable date of $52.00, the highest in the industry.  Per diem rates, crew meal allowance, incentive pay, line value/pay guarantee and furlough protection, were all maintained.  In addition, the Flight Attendants will be transitioning to a better retirement plan, the IAM National Pension Plan.  Your Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your solidarity and support which made this agreement possible.  

ExpressJet Negotiations will resume on March 6^th & 7^th, in Washington, D.C., at the offices of the National Mediation Board.  Both the IAM Negotiations Committee and ExpressJet Management have agreed to meet separately with the Mediator on the 6^th to illuminate their issues and positions in an effort to reach a new tentative agreement.  We will update you with any new developments as they occur.

The Union has been receiving complaints regarding the implementation of some items in the newly ratified agreement at Continental Airlines.  The Union has brought these issues to the attention of the Company for resolution.  Please notify a Union representative of any issues you believe that are not being addressed in the new agreement so that we may facilitate compliance.

Venezuela Ready to Proceed With Ban.  Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel said Thursday his country is prepared to go ahead with a ban on flights by most American carriers if U.S. regulators don't agree to upgrade their safety rating on Venezuelan airlines.

Northwest Airlines continued negotiations with its pilots union Thursday. An airline spokesman said the two sides are making progress.  Also, Northwest has backed-off a demand to staff international flights mainly with foreign flight attendants, according to a spokesperson for the union representing Northwest’s Flight Attendants.  The company says it must cut costs to emerge from bankruptcy protection.  The deadline for the two sides to reach agreements officially passed earlier this week.

JetBlue is increasing prices in an attempt to return to profitability. The airline said it needs an increase of $10 on one-way tickets. High fuel prices caused the airline to post a loss in the fourth quarter. JetBlue hopes to continue its growth and add 35 jetliners to its fleet this year. 

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, March 14^th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

 Cleveland: Thursday, March 9^th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

 Guam: Wednesday, March 15^th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston: Wednesday, March 22^nd, 1:00 p.m. at  15710 JFK Blvd.