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

Friday, April 28, 2006

IAM/CONTINENTAL MICRONESIA REACH NEW TENTATIVE AGREEMENT - Your IAM Flight Attendant Negotiating Committee today reached a revised tentative agreement with Continental Micronesia for a new contract.  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 the flight attendants.  Your rates of pay and retirement have been maintained and guaranteed.  Stock options and enhanced profit sharing were maintained.  Your participation in the IAM National Pension Plan has been ensured and guaranteed.  Dates and times for the ratification will be forthcoming.  Your continued support and understanding of the process is appreciated.

ExpressJet flight attendant negotiations resumed on Monday, April 24th, 2006, at the offices of the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C..  After four days of meetings, the Mediator recessed negotiations on April 27th, to allow the party’s to do additional research and costing.  We will advise you of future meeting dates when the arrangements have been made.

Copies of the new Continental Airlines Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement should be available in the domiciles in approximately 30 days, according to Company officials.  If you should need to reference the new contract before then, copies of the tentative are available at the IAM Grievance Desk in each base.

Comair may not void attendants’ contract, judge says - A bankruptcy judge ruled Wednesday Delta Air Lines' Comair unit may not void its flight attendants' contract. Company officials said they are considering the airline's next move and noted Delta is also weighing the possibility of selling Comair.  Today, Comair said it plans to return to negotiations with its flight attendant union next month.

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Approve Contract - Flight attendants at Alaska Airlines approved a new four-year contract that will increase pay and enhance profit sharing. The pact "offers stability for our flight attendants and is consistent with our desire to provide competitive pay and benefits," CEO Bill Ayer said.

JetBlue Reports First Quarter Loss, May Raise Fares - JetBlue Airways Chief Executive David Neeleman said the airline must increase its average ticket price, and hopes to sell fewer discounted tickets on each flight. The company on Tuesday reported a first-quarter loss. "The trends in this industry are to have higher average fares all around," Neeleman said.

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, May 9th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Cleveland: Thursday, May 11th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam: Wednesday, May 17th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

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