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

Friday, August 18, 2006
 

IAM/ExpressJet Flight Attendants Ratify Agreement - The tentative agreement reached July 10, 2006 and unanimously recommended by your negotiating committee has been ratified by a substantial majority of the Express Jet Flight Attendants. This industry leading agreement is a result of flight attendant involvement and input prior to and throughout negotiations through on-line surveys; crew room meetings and proactive solidarity and support. IAM District Lodge 142 and your negotiating committee thank the membership for the solidarity, professionalism and support displayed throughout these lengthy negotiations. Sincerely & Fraternally, Tom Higginbotham, President – Directing General Chairperson.

Northwest Apologizes for Insulting Employees - August 17, 2006 - As if losing your job wasn’t bad enough, Northwest Airlines added salt to the wounds of IAM members facing furlough by handing about 60 employees a booklet containing an inconsiderate list of ideas on how to save money while they’re out of work. The list entitled, "101 Ways to Save Money”, suggests laid-off employees ask friends and family for hand-me-down clothes and toys for their kids, shop at thrift stores and consignment shops (or “borrow a dress for a big night out”), move somewhere else to live, make their own baby food and coffee, ask their doctor for samples of prescriptions, and #46 on the list, “Don’t be shy about pulling something you like out of the trash.” Following a public admonishment from the Machinists Union, Northwest apologized for their offensive tips. Northwest CEO Doug Steenland has apologized to the IAM for the company’s poor judgment,” said GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “They are also contacting everyone who received the offending booklet to offer personal apologies. The IAM leadership will hold Northwest to their commitment that a blunder like this will never happen again,” Roach added. Northwest did not prepare the booklet, but instead subcontracted the work to a Wisconsin firm. “These are the type of screw-ups that occur when you outsource work,” said Roach.

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.

Judge Declines To Block Possible Northwest Strike - Northwest Airlines flight attendants have the right to strike, a federal bankruptcy judge ruled Thursday. The decision allows the flight attendants union to stage a labor action if it does not reach a contract agreement with the company by Aug. 25. Talks between the two sides are continuing.
 

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 Marriott Airport Hotel.

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

Guam:          Wednesday, September 20th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

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