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

Friday, August 25, 2006
 

Continental & ExpressJet Flights Involved in Security Incidents - A college student's checked luggage on Continental Airlines flight 52 from Buenos Aires, Argentina, contained traces of dynamite, authorities said, in one of six security incidents Friday that caused U.S. flights to be diverted, evacuated or searched. Federal authorities were investigating why the student, who got off the Continental plane in Houston before it continued to , N.J., had the explosive residue, an FBI spokesperson said. The man told authorities he works in mining and often handles explosives. Federal officials were investigating whether the explanation was true. After landing at Liberty International, the plane was kept from the terminal as a precaution, authorities said. In a separate incident, ExpressJet flight 2258 from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Bakersfield, Calif., was diverted to El Paso, after the crew discovered a missing panel in the lavatory, authorities said. TSA officials said passengers were being screened and interviewed upon landing in El Paso.

IAM Transportation Department Unveils Airline Merger Team - At the direction of International President Tom Buffenbarger, the IAM has assembled a Transportation Merger Team to protect the interests of IAM members in any upcoming airline mergers. “The industry has been in turmoil for several years,” said Transportation General Vice-President (GVP) Robert Roach, Jr. “The IAM’s Merger Team is working under the assumption that every airline is talking to every other airline. Whichever airlines end up pairing together, we’re ready. Protecting IAM members’ rights through a merger or acquisition is a complex matter,” said Roach. “Our success in winning representation rights and providing the IAM National Pension Plan for the former America West Fleet Service employees is a clear indication of the importance and the effectiveness of the Transportation Merger Team.” The Mechanic & Related workers at recently merged US Airways and America West will also have an opportunity to join the IAM National Pension Plan as a result of the IAM’s involvement in that merger process. “History has demonstrated that the next step for the airline industry is consolidation,” said GVP Roach. “IAM members at the combined US Airways are already benefiting from the IAM Merger Team, and we will do the same for all IAM members involved in future mergers,” Roach added.
 

Judge Blocks Northwest Flight Attendants’ Strike - A federal judge blocked Northwest Airlines flight attendants from going on strike today, handing a victory to the cash-strapped airline. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said he will issue an injunction that allows time for him to examine the case. He said Northwest made a "persuasive case" that a delay in any strike was necessary so that the legal issues could be resolved. He said that while the injury to flight attendants would be to delay their ability to strike, "far greater injuries exist to Northwest and the public by permitting the strike to commence at this point." Northwest, already operating under bankruptcy protection, has said a strike could kill it.
 

Comair, Flight Attendants Do Not Reach Agreement - Comair and its flight attendants union did not reach a contract agreement after two days of negotiations. The two sides will schedule more talks in a few days. Comair's parent, Delta Air Lines, has put pressure on the carrier to reach an agreement by putting regional flying out for bidding.

Summer Revenue Trends Encourage Airline Analysts - Airline analysts are upbeat about recent revenue trends. Revenue per available seat mile rose 11.1% in July, the Air Transport Association reported. In July, the industry's domestic load factor was 86.9%, the highest since 1980, according to Merrill Lynch.
 

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, September 27th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.