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

Friday, February 10, 2006

The Union has been receiving complaints regarding the implementation of some items in the newly ratified agreement.  The Union has brought these issues to the attention of the Company for resolution.  Please notifiy a Union representative of any issues you believe that are not being addressed in the new agreement so that we may facilitate compliance.

Representatives from District 142 and Continental Micronesia management will meet in Honolulu beginning on February 20, 2006 to commence negotiations on a new agreement.  We will update you with information as it becomes available.

U.S.-based air carriers are attempting to make up for failed business plans and ineffective management by eliminating high-quality jobs and outsourcing work to low wage workers overseas.  Major U.S. airlines like United, Northwest, American and Delta currently employ foreign nationals from overseas locations as flight attendants, depriving U.S. workers of much-needed job prospects. Like wise, the same carriers subcontract essential aircraft maintenance to overseas repair facilities that aren’t subjected to the same rigid oversight as U.S. facilities.  The IAM has been successful in limiting our members’ job loss to overseas workers.  Our Continental Airlines Flight Attendants are the only cabin crew employees at a U.S. legacy carrier whose contract protects their jobs from overseas foreign nationals. Similarly, all the overhaul maintenance performed on US Airways aircraft is done in North America.  Click here (http://capwiz.com/iamaw/issues/alert/?alertid=8457466&type=ML) to send your elected representatives a message telling them to support good-paying, U.S. -based jobs where workers have collective bargaining rights and a voice in their future.

United Airlines' Explus service features a first-class section in a jet that seats 66 to 70 people. The company hopes the new service appeases business travelers who think smaller regional jets are uncomfortable. "We're very focused on putting these in business markets," said Sean Donohue, United's vice president for United Express.

US Airways announced that it will begin nonstop service this spring from Philadelphia to Milan, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; and Lisbon, Portugal. Milan service would continue year-round, while Stockholm and Lisbon flights would operate only during the summer months.

A bankruptcy judge Thursday extended Northwest Airlines' tentative contract with its flight attendants. While the workers had opposed an extension of the contract, Northwest, which is trying to cut costs, had urged the court to grant the extension.

Delta Air Lines will make a $300 million payment to its pilots if it terminates their pension plan, the Wall Street Journal reports, quoting unnamed sources. Delta said it has not decided whether to keep or terminate the plan. Delta, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, is in contract negotiations with its pilots union.

Delta Air Lines announced that it plans to launch nonstop service June 8 from Atlanta to both Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador. Delta also announced proposed service from Atlanta to Dakar, Senegal; and Johannesburg, South Africa; in a bid to become the only U.S. airline with service between the United States and the African continent. If approved, the Africa flights would begin in December.

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, February 14, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree (Wyndham) Hotel.

Cleveland: Thursday, March 9, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive;

Guam: Wednesday, February 15, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room;

Houston: Wednesday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.