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

Friday, August 5, 2005

IAM District 142 Representatives have been in contact with ExpressJet to discuss the state of negotiations now that the recent tentative agreement was rejected by the Flight Attendants.  To date, the two sides have not been able to finalize a timetable for resuming negotiations.  We will keep you advised of any new developments as they occur. 

Your IAM Negotiating Committee and Continental Airlines will resume negotiations this week in Washington, D.C., on August 9, 10 & 11.  The meetings will be at the offices of the National Mediation Board and will be directed by Senior Mediator, Patricia Simms.  Among the first items to be discussed will be the IAM National Pension Fund and the importance of transitioning the CAL Flight Attendants to this plan during the current negotiations.  Any future updates regarding possible progress in negotiations will be at the permission of Mediator Simms.  We will share any and all information with you that the Mediator agrees to allow us the release.  Please continue to share your thoughts and concerns with your IAM Negotiating Committee and NOT the Company.  This allows us to be a strong and single voice for your concerns.  Stay informed and united behind your Union. 

IAM District 142 Representatives have been in contact with Continental Micronesia to discuss the initiation of negotiations for the purpose of reaching a new tentative agreement for the Flight Attendants.  To date, there has been no progress in establishing a timetable to begin negotiations.  We will keep you advised of any new developments as they occur. 

Continental is arguing with Boston's Logan International Airport over a free Wi-Fi service Continental installed in its frequent-flyer lounge. The airport says the service interferes with communications equipment used by police and the Transportation Security Administration. The airline argues it is acting within FCC guidelines governing airport Wi-Fi and therefore it does not have to pull the plug. 

US Airways will return 11 of its 281 jetliners to lessors starting in May. Just 14 flights will be cut as a result of the move, the airline said. The company will return the jets because of the "weak revenue environment."  

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines are likely to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-September to avoid filing under a more restrictive bankruptcy law that takes effect Oct. 17.  "The airlines are expected to delay any action until after the Labor Day weekend to avoid distressing employees during the busy summer travel period," the article said.

Flight attendants at Northwest Airlines asked the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate the airline's plans to replace them if they follow mechanics into a strike later this month.  In a petition filed with the FAA on Tuesday, the flight attendants said they were concerned that safety and security information was being released to non-employees — namely, flight attendant trainees who have not yet been hired.

Northwest Airlines will use 1,000 replacement mechanics in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis if its own mechanics strike when a cooling-off period expires later this month, according to a media report. The union and the airline will continue negotiations today, but both sides are preparing for a strike. Northwest says it will operate a full schedule in the event of a strike.  The union representing mechanics, cleaners and custodians at Northwest Airlines on Wednesday withdrew from contract negotiations, saying concession talks had been fruitless and the risk of a strike was growing.

Shares in Delta Air Lines plunged on plunged on Wednesday amid fears that efforts to gain $5 billion in cost savings and secure pensions reform this year might not be enough to save it from insolvency.   The fall in share price followed the leak of an internal memorandum outlining the challenges facing the carrier as it struggles to remain solvent in an environment of soaring fuel costs and heavy debt and pension burdens.

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, August 11, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive;

Guam: Wednesday, August 17, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room;

Houston: Wednesday, August 24, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd;

: Tuesday, August 9, 3:00 p.m. at the Wyndam Hotel.