July 27,
2005
File: CO-18
2005-116
IAM/Continental Airlines
Negotiations Update
To All
Continental Flight Attendants:
The Union and the Company met on July 25 and
26, 2005 in Houston, Texas for our first discussions with
Federal Mediator Pat Simms, from the National Mediation
Board. Mediator Simms explained her role and how the
mediation process will continue going forward. She met
separately with the Company and the Union to hear from each
side the open issues, which are preventing an agreement.
Your negotiating committee advised the
mediator of all the issues submitted by the membership since
the failed tentative agreement. Mediator Simms expressed
grave concerns over how far the parties are from reaching an
agreement.
She stressed that we are now under the
auspices of the National Mediation Board and “it can’t be
reversed”. She emphasized that reaching an impasse in
mediation or facing the uncertainties of a Presidential
Emergency Board were directions she hoped could be averted
and that all her efforts would be directed toward avoiding
those scenarios. While we had no control over the Company’s
request in applying for mediation, it appears this is the
direction the Company would prefer.
No negotiations were conducted at this first
meeting. Mediator Simms scheduled the next round of
meetings to be held in Washington, DC on August 9, 10 and
11.
We will
keep you advised of all future developments as they occur.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely and fraternally,
