Ballots have been mailed to all Continental Airlines Flight Attendants to participate in a ratification vote on an amendment to the IAM/CAL Collective Bargaining Agreement covering "PENSION BENEFITS" while employed by Continental Airlines.  The ballot packet includes information on the IAM National Pension Plan (NPP), instructions on voting, and a DVD entitled “Secure Your Future”, featuring CAL Flight Attendants discussing the benefits of transitioning to the NPP.  The ballots were mailed to your address on file with the Union on January 17, 2007.  Ballots must be received by District Lodge 142 no later than February 13, 2007.  Please make any address updates at: www.iamdl142.org/fa or call District Lodge 142 at 816-452-6646.

Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants Join IAM National Pension Plan – In accordance with the provisions negotiated in their new collective bargaining agreement ratified in May, 2006, the Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants began accruing benefits in the IAM National Pension Plan (NPP) effective January 1^st, 2007.  Congratulations to the members of Local Lodge 2339G for “Securing Your Future” through the IAM National Pension Plan.

Continental Airlines announced Thursday that their annual profit for 2006 was $343 million.  The company also announced that it will be distributing $111 million in profit-sharing to 44,000 employees.  Continental also stated the following in a Q &A to employees in reference to the Flight Attendant group which ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that was implemented on February 1^st, 2006; “For work groups that didn’t join in wage and benefit reductions on the original schedule, profit sharing for 2006 will be calculated to take into account the fact that the company did not receive the full expected savings from their reductions in 2006.”  The Union is currently reviewing the company’s calculations and position regarding this issue.  We will advise you of any new developments as they occur.  Profit-sharing checks will be distributed on February 14^th.

ExpressJet Charter Update – On Wednesday, January 17, 2007, the Federal District Court in Cleveland, Ohio, held a status conference in the litigation the IAM brought last month seeking to prevent ExpressJet from violating the Railway Labor Act’s status quo provisions regarding its new charter operation.  We advised the Court that we have not reached an agreement over the terms of a new agreement covering such flying and that we intend, if further negotiations fail, to exhaust available RLA procedures including, but not limited to, seeking the services of the National Mediation Board.  We also advised the Court that we had filed a contractual grievance out of an abundance of caution.  Based on the foregoing, we agreed to a dismissal of the litigation without prejudice to our right to come back to this Court with a renewed request for appropriate judicial relief in the event we deem such action necessary.  Negotiations will resume January 29, 2007.  Once again we urge Flight Attendants that fly these Charters to be vigilant in monitoring the Company’s requirement to comply with terms of the current agreement taking appropriate action through the grievance procedure should violations occur.  Your continued support is appreciated and another bulletin will be issued upon conclusion of the upcoming meetings.  Sincerely and fraternally, Tom Higginbotham – President-Directing General Chairperson, IAM District Lodge 142.

Continental Flight Attendants can now view a Pension Video entitled “Secure Your Future” that features fellow flight attendants discussing the differences and benefits of the IAM National Pension Plan as it relates to CARP.  To view the entire video online, go to www.iamdl142.org/fa right now.  Learn more about what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.  Visit the NPP website at www.iamnpf.org for more information.

Continental Reaps Benefits Of Serving Midsize European Cities – Continental Airlines has focused its international expansion on serving midsize European cities such as Bristol, England, and Belfast, Northern Ireland.  "These routes are very strong," says James Summerford, Continental's vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  "We really are turning into an international carrier.  We're getting near the point where 50% of our revenues are international.  The expansion is going fabulously well."

Delta Board, Management To Review Higher US Airways Bid – Delta Air Lines will discuss US Airways' increased offer for the carrier with its board of directors soon. Delta executives have said they oppose a merger with US Airways but are obligated to review the $10.2 billion offer, which is 20% higher than the original bid. Delta's pilots union also supports the carrier's plan to emerge from bankruptcy as an independent airline.