US Airways Launches $8 Billion Bid for Delta – The latest shock wave to roil a beleaguered airline industry is Wednesday’s announcement that US Airways is launching an $8 billion effort to acquire bankrupt Delta Airlines. The proposed merger, which would create the world’s largest airline, is far from a done deal. Delta remains mired in bankruptcy proceedings and other parties could come forward with offers to buy the Atlanta-based carrier. Also, the proposal by US Airways is being made over the objections of Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein, who told employees yesterday he still plans for Delta to emerge from bankruptcy as an independent carrier. The announcement by US Airways also confirmed speculation that a new round of consolidation in the airline industry is at hand. Despite opposition by government regulators to earlier merger proposals, the massive financial losses since September 11 and the rise of low-cost carriers has changed the industry dramatically. In a statement released following Wednesday’s announcement, Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr., warned of a bumpy road ahead. “The IAM is prepared for additional airline mergers and a US Airways-Delta pairing is just one of many being evaluated by our Transportation Merger Team,” said Roach, who advised US Airways to conclude its negotiations with the IAM over the integration of America West employees before embarking on another merger attempt.

Continental Flight Attendants Receive Pension Information – For several weeks, IAM District 142 and Local Lodge Representatives have been present in the , Houston & Cleveland crew rooms to share information and educate members on the benefits of transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan (NPP). Information regarding the Continental Airlines Retirement Plan (CARP) has also been discussed and has brought several key points into focus. First, all Flight Attendants will receive full vesting credit for all prior airline service. This means that the years of service you accrued at prior airlines that were eventually merged into Continental count toward your vesting in the NPP. Secondly, CARP’s years of service is capped at 30 years. If you have been at Continental 30 years or longer, you are no longer accruing any additional benefit for each year of service you remain employed after 30 years. Lastly, by transitioning to the NPP, you will begin to accrue an additional pension benefit that you can receive when you retire. If you are vested in CARP and the NPP you will receive two checks upon retirement: one from CARP and another from the NPP. 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.

Delta Rallies Support To Fend Off US Airways Bid – Delta Air Lines has held a series of conference calls with creditors to evaluate US Airways' bid, according to media reports. Delta wants creditors to back its restructuring plan. US Airways, which launched its $8.76 billion bid Wednesday, is still trying to arrange a meeting with Delta's creditors committee. A meeting may be held as early as next week, and Delta representatives are expected to attend.

Comair Attendants Approve New Contract – Comair flight attendants have approved $7.9 million in wage cuts and concessions. The four-year agreement gives the attendants job protection if Delta sells the airline before emerging from bankruptcy protection. It also includes a 7.5% pay cut.

Some Carriers May Turn A Corner in 2006 – Continental Airlines and American Airlines may post profits in 2006 for the first time in six years. Meanwhile, newer airlines, such as JetBlue, are under more pressure.

We invite all Flight Attendants to visit our new District Lodge 142 website. While there, please update your address and email information through the online forms.

The new website address is: www.iamdl142.org/fa

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, December 12th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Airport Hotel.

Cleveland:  Thursday, December 14th, 1:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Houston:     Tuesday, November 21st, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.

Guam:          Wednesday, December 20th 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.