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

Friday, May 19, 2006

Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants Begin Voting on Tentative Agreement – Flight Attendants at Continental Micronesia began ratification voting today on a revised tentative agreement.  The revised agreement addresses the flight attendant issues that gave rise to the rejection of the previous tentative agreement.  Job protection and security was achieved for all flight attendants.  Rates of pay and retirement have been maintained and guaranteed.  Stock options and enhanced profit-sharing were maintained.  Participation in the IAM National Pension Plan has been ensured and guaranteed.  Ratification voting will take place at the GIAA Conference Room from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm daily through Friday, May 26, 2006.  Your IAM Flight Attendant Negotiating Committee encourages all members to participate in deciding your future.  Your continued solidarity and support is greatly appreciated.

Contrary to information currently circulating among Continental Flight Attendants, you do not have to “activate” or claim your stock options by a certain date or risk losing them.  Your negotiated stock options will become vested in thirds beginning February 1st, 2007.  Other work groups at Continental became vested for their stock options March 30th, 2006.  If you have any questions regarding this provision of the new collective bargaining agreement please stop by your base Grievance Desk to discuss it with your Union Representatives.

ExpressJet Union Representatives have been receiving reports that the company is interrupting the crew rest of reserve flight attendants.  Section 5-8 of the collective bargaining agreement states, “Upon release to crew rest Scheduling will only contact a Reserve flight attendant during the last hour of the crew rest period at home base.”  If you believe that Scheduling is interrupting your crew rest in violation of this provision, please contact your local grievance representative.

Continental Boosts Fares To Offset Soaring Fuel Costs – Continental Airlines raised some fares $2 each way to compensate for higher fuel prices. "We took this action in order to try to make our income better cover our expenses so we can return to profitability," Continental spokesman Dave Messing said.

Machinists Reach Tentative Agreement With Northwest Airlines – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers today announced a tentative agreement with Northwest Airlines covering 5,600 Equipment Service & Stock Clerks at the bankrupt airline.  “The negotiating committee unanimously recommends ratification of the agreement to avoid the elimination of our contract,” said IAM District 143 President Bobby DePace.  “We are not recommending ratification because the terms are favorable, but because the alternative is worse,” DePace added.

Judge Urges Mesaba To Return To Talks With Workers – A bankruptcy judge ruled commuter carrier Mesaba Airlines may not void union contracts with its pilots, flight attendants and mechanics. The carrier said it will return to negotiations.

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:

Newark:         Tuesday, June 13th, 3:00 p.m. at the Newark Doubletree Hotel.

Cleveland:    Thursday, June 8th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam:            Wednesday, June 21st, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston:       Wednesday, May 24th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.