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

Friday, March 31, 2006

Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants Voting on Tentative Agreement – Continental Micronesia membership ratification voting continued through March 30th, 2006.  The results of the ratification vote will be announced once the District Lodge has certified the vote count.  Your Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your continued solidarity and support.

IAM Representatives attended a strategy meeting for the Crew Member Self-Defense Training course held March 23rd, 2006, at the headquarters of the Federal Air Marshal Service, in Reston, Virginia.  Most major U.S. carriers participated in the meeting to discuss ways to improve crew member interest and participation in the program.  Proposed changes include reducing the 3-day course to a one-day, 8-hour session while increasing the number of cites where you can take the training.  We will up-date you with any improvements when they are announced.

The IAM has announced that it will sponsor a Flight Attendant Conference May 30th through June 2nd, 2006, at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.  Participants will include your Local Lodge Officers and Grievance Committee Members as well as any flight attendant members who want to attend on a voluntary basis.  Transportation to and from the conference will be provided along with meals and lodging.  Topics at the conference will include contract familiarization, the Family Medical Leave Act and the history of the Union movement in America.  If you would like to attend please contact your Local Lodge President as soon as possible so we can plan for the number of interested participants.  We look forward to seeing you!

ExpressJet Negotiations are scheduled to resume in Washington, D.C., on April 24th, 25th and 26th, 2006. The process is governed by the Railway Labor Act and is currently in mediation.  Your Negotiating Committee wants to thank you for your continued solidarity and support, which is essential to reach an agreement that you will ratify.  We will update you with any developments as they occur.

Delta May Consider selling Comair, CFO Says - Delta Air Line's chief financial officer said the company may consider selling its Comair unit if it's able to restructure. Separately, a bankruptcy judge on Monday urged Comair and its flight attendants union to work out a contract agreement. The airline says it needs cost cuts to continue operations.

Northwest Airlines hopes to operate a new regional jet unit, dubbed Compass Airlines, in June. In five years, the unit may fly up to 36 small jets, the company said in a filing with the Department of Transportation. Northwest, which operates under bankruptcy protection, said the unit is a vital part of its restructuring.

The U.S. and Venezuela are close to a "permanent solution" to a dispute over U.S. restrictions on Venezuelan carriers, according to U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield. Venezuela says it has improved safety and regulation and wants the U.S. to lift safety-based restrictions on Venezuelan carriers.
 
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, April 11th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.
 
Cleveland: Thursday, April 13th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.
 
Guam: Wednesday, April 19th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston: Wednesday, April 26th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.