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

Friday, September 30, 2005 

Northwest Airlines flight attendants are prepare to return to the bargaining table. Leaders of their union say that the company is proposing $1.4 billion in annual labor cost savings for the company of which $195 million will be the flight attendant’s share.  Their union says the carrier's proposed cost-cutting target would make them the lowest paid in the industry, requiring flight attendants at the top of the pay scale to take wage cuts of about 25 to 30 percent, depressing their annual pay from about $47,000 per year to roughly $33,000.  Junior flight attendants, who now make about $16,000, would get a 7 percent pay cut.  Negotiators for the union and management are expected to meet again October 5. Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy rules, if the union and management can't reach negotiated settlements, a judge could terminate the contracts and impose new contract terms.

Independence Air is changing its schedule in an attempt to cut costs and avoid filing for bankruptcy protection. The airline will end all West Coast service as well as flights to five airports. It will start daily flights from Washington's Dulles International Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Members of Boeing’s machinists union ratified a three year contract agreement this week. The machinists, who have been on strike for 24 days, voted on the contract on Thursday. The company has agreed not to boost premiums or deductibles for the workers' health care plan, and it will increase its pension multiplier to $70 a month for each year worked. The Boeing workers are represented by your union, the IAM.

US Airways left bankruptcy protection yesterday and merged with America West Airlines. Now other companies must consider how to emerge from bankruptcy protection and restructure themselves. Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. United Airlines hopes to leave bankruptcy protection soon and has cut workers' pay and benefits and has terminated pension plans.

Leaders of American Airlines pilots' union expect the carrier to ask for new concessions to help the airline remain financially stable. The airline has given the union extensive data on its financial situation, though it has not yet broached the topic of cuts. 

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:  

Cleveland: Thursday, October 13, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive; 

Guam: Wednesday, October 19, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room;

Houston: Wednesday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd; 

: Tuesday, October 11, 3:00 p.m. at the Wyndam Hotel.