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

Friday, May 12, 2006

Machinists Host Global Union Meeting - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) held a meeting of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) at IAM Headquarters on May 9th and 10th, 2006.

“Air transport workers from around the world are facing unprecedented layoffs, mergers, bankruptcies and outsourcing,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “There are global forces affecting aviation workers, and unions must work to develop innovative global solutions. The Machinists Union is calling for a worldwide Day of Action on May 17, 2007, to demonstrate the solidarity of unions around the world,” Roach added.

During the two day event, representatives from the IAM met with more than fifty trade union colleagues from around the world, including Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; the Czech Republic; France; Germany; Great Britain; Jordan; the Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland and Thailand.

“Air transportation unions have formed an Airline Alliance Coalition to enable coordinated, multi-union initiatives to defend airline workers worldwide,” said Ingo Marowsky, Secretary of the ITF’s Civil Aviation Section. “Our work this week will greatly strengthen our coalition’s ability to face the international alliances formed by airlines, such as Sky Team, One World and Star Alliance,” added Marowsky.

The IAM is the largest transportation union in North America, representing more than 100,000 airline and railroad workers. This meeting represents the fourth in a series of international air transport workers meetings hosted by the IAM.  More information about the Machinists Union is available at www.goiam.org

IAM /CONTINENTAL MICRONESIA REACH NEW TENTATIVE AGREEMENT - Your IAM Flight Attendant Negotiating Committee has reached a revised tentative agreement with Continental Micronesia for a new contract.  The revised agreement addresses the flight attendant issues that gave rise to the rejection of the previous tentative agreement.  Job protection and security was achieved for all the flight attendants.  Your rates of pay and retirement have been maintained and guaranteed.  Stock options and enhanced profit sharing were maintained.  Your participation in the IAM National Pension Plan has been ensured and guaranteed.  Ratification voting will begin on Friday, May 19th and run through Friday, May 26th.  The times and location for the ratification will be forthcoming.  Your continued support and understanding of the process is appreciated.

Delta Air Lines reported a first-quarter loss of $2.1 billion, including restructuring costs. Excluding restructuring costs, the carrier lost $356 million. Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein said the results were in line with expectations.

United Airlines parent UAL reported a first-quarter loss of $306 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of $302 million, excluding reorganization items. The company posted a 14% revenue increase and said it would continue to cut costs.

Comair and the union representing its flight attendants will return to negotiations today. Comair, a unit of bankrupt Delta Air Lines, is seeking concessions.

Airlines are expecting packed planes this summer. Many airlines have reduced capacity to lower their fuel costs. Last year, passenger and cargo aircraft used 19.9 billion gallons of jet fuel, according to the Air Transport Association.

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, June 13th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Cleveland:    Thursday, June 8th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam:            Wednesday, May 17th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston:       Wednesday, May 24th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.