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

Friday, August 11, 2006

ExpressJet Flight Attendant Ratification Update - The ExpressJet ratification voting was completed August 9th, 2006, after eight days of voting. It appears the tentative agreement has been ratified by the membership. Verification of the count will be conducted at the District Lodge 142 office in Kansas City, by the District Trustees on August 15th, 2006. An official announcement of the results will be made immediately following the conclusion of their tabulations. Sincerely & Fraternally, Tom Higginbotham, President – Directing General Chairperson.

IAM Responds to Transportation Threat - British Authorities overnight foiled a terror plot to blow up aircraft flying between the United Kingdom and the United States. As a result, the U.S. threat level has been raised to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights flying from the United Kingdom to the U.S. The U.S. threat level is raised to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in the U.S. and international flights departing from the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration has also restricted passengers from carrying liquids and gels in aircraft carry-on baggage, including mouthwash, hairspray and toothpaste. It has been reported that Continental Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines were specific targets, and Amtrak, as the U.S.'s only national passenger rail carrier, remains a prime target for terrorists. ”The Machinists Union is deeply concerned for the safety of our members and the passengers they serve," said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "We will take all necessary steps to ensure that our nation's transportation system remains safe and secure for passengers and employees." The increased security threat will create substantial disruptions at U.S. airports and rail stations, straining all IAM members in the transportation industry. All IAM Transportation Department staff, Grand Lodge Representatives and District General Chairs have been reassigned to work directly with Local IAM representatives to address members' concerns. Any IAM members with safety and security questions should contact their Local Lodge representatives immediately. The IAM Grand Lodge and District Lodge websites will be updated throughout this period of increased terrorist threat to provide members with the latest information as it becomes available.

IAM Grand Lodge website www.goiam.org/transportation

District Lodge 142 website www.iamdl142.org/fa

The Union has filed a general grievance on behalf of the Flight Attendants at Continental Airlines regarding the disciplinary actions in progress involving the EEMK. District 142 General Chairpersons will update you with information as it becomes available. If you are assessed any discipline in relation to the EEMK, please notify your Local Lodge Base Chairperson.

The FAA recently released a long-awaited study on the affects of “Fatigue” on airline flight crews. Members from several flight attendant unions, including members representing the IAM 2339 Local Lodges, participated in a “Sleep-In” in June, to put pressure on the agency to release the findings. On July 7th, the FAA finally released the report to the public. The report includes information on how flight crews are affected by cabin ventilation, cabin air quality, respiratory symptoms, adverse reproductive health effects, cancer mortality and incidence and, factors related to job stress among flight attendants. To read the entire study, go to www.iamdl142.org and click on “Flight Attendants”. Then scroll down the left side and click on “Health & Safety/Legislation”. At the top of that page, click on the “FAA Fatigue Report” to view the study.

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, September 12th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Cleveland:  Thursday, September 14th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam:          Wednesday, August 16th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston:     Wednesday, August 23rd, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.