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

Friday, October 27, 2006

EXPRESSJET UPDATE
Special Charter Negotiations
Company’s Offer Falls Far Short Of The Mark.
 

As you may know the company is preparing to begin “special charter operations” on December 28, 2006 to utilize some of the 69 aircraft that they decided to retain after their failure to negotiate terms acceptable to Continental Airlines for these 69 aircraft. We have begun negotiations with the company that will allow them to operate a “charter” operation. The company plans to start flying specific charters that requires “unique” work rules, duties, and other requirements that will allow XJT to market unscheduled, specific charter flights to private corporations, corporate executives, sports teams and other organizations, large and small. These special charters will originate and arrive at small secondary airports as well as major airport cities. These Special Charters will also require that passengers receive unique cabin services way beyond the traditional services passengers receive on scheduled flights or charters that the company operates today. These special charters will also require that flight attendant duties, responsibilities, work loads, and general working conditions will change far beyond the traditional roles that Flight Attendants are responsible for under the current contract. It is in our best interests for XJT F/A’s that we do everything possible to make this new operation successful. The demands we’ve made for additional pay, rules and conditions etc. closely mirror the Special Charter provisions that XJT pilots recently negotiated and are in the process of ratifying. Unfortunately, while we have made some progress we regret to inform you that so far the company’s offers for pay and other issues falls far short of what they have given the pilots. We will continue to do everything possible to arrive at an equitable agreement that compensates you fairly. Until such an agreement is reached the current Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions would apply to this operation. Additional meetings will be scheduled in the near future. We appreciate your continued patience and support while we negotiate provisions that adequately compensate you for the demands of this new operation. Please see your base IAM representatives for a review of what the Pilots will receive on this new operation. Sincerely and fraternally, Carla Winkler - Grand Lodge Representative; Tom Higginbotham - President and Directing General Chairperson; Art Teolis, Julie Frietchen & Brian Wozniak - General Chairpersons.
 
Call to Action for November Elections – With the critical midterm election less than two weeks away, IAM members have a chance to change the face of Congress and state capitols, if they show up to vote. “This election will be decided by turnout. It’s simple, if you stay home on Election Day or don’t volunteer some time on union-sponsored Get-Out-The-Vote drives between now and November 7, it will be more of the same anti-worker policies for years to come,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “IAM officers and representatives at every level, everyone who has attended classes at the Winpisinger Center, stewards and regular members, should volunteer some time to educate our fellow members about candidates who will do the best job for working families and get our members to show up at the polls,” he added. Mid-term elections historically see a drop of almost 30 million voters, making voter turnout among union households even more important. “In these last few days, volunteer to phone bank, help pass out handbills or help visit union households. Just a small effort by a lot of people will make the difference,” said Buffenbarger.

Visit www.goiam.org to take part in an AFL-CIO election event in your area.
 
Your IAM Representatives Urge You to Register and Vote November 7th!
 

Continental Flight Attendants Receive Pension Information – Flight Attendants in , Cleveland and Houston can view a power-point presentation in their crew rooms to learn more about the IAM National Pension Plan. The brief presentation provides information on understanding the benefits the plan offers and how to explain the value of the pension plan to fellow union members. IAM Local Lodge Base Representatives and District Chairpersons will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the pension plan. Remember, when it comes to your current pension plan, you have a lot you can lose…Learn what you have to gain by transitioning to the IAM National Pension Plan.

Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants are reminded that their 2007 Benefits Enrollment will conclude tonight, October 27th, at midnight CST. You can access information on how to enroll, view the changes to the plan, and where to go to find information through the CCS home page by clicking on ‘MyCOAIR’.

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: