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

Friday, September 29, 2006
 

ExpressJet Flight Attendant Update - The Union met with representatives of ExpressJet Airlines on Thursday, September 28, 2006, to discuss the carrier’s intention to begin their own branded charter operation beginning in January 2007. These discussions centered around some charter operations which are almost certain as well as other charter operations in development; the affected provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and how these provisions would be applied to this type of operation. Additional meetings have been scheduled during October to further address issues involved in this type of operation. As future developments occur you will be advised.  Sincerely and fraternally, Tom Higginbotham - President-Directing General Chairperson, District 142

Continental Airlines reiterated earlier this week their preference not to merge with other carriers at this time.  In the Company’s Daily News Update, CEO Larry Kellner said, “Under the current industry structure, our preference is to remain independent and continue our successful growth. However, we need to remain competitive and will always take actions that we believe are in the best interest of our employees, our stockholders and the communities we serve.”  Larry added, “While we can’t predict the future, we have firm commitments in place to all of our seniority based domestic employees to ensure that fair and equitable seniority integration processes would be followed for them if we were ever involved in a merger.”  The IAM has negotiated and preserved the strongest and most widely recognized merger protection, the Allegheny-Mohawk Labor Protective Provisions (LPPs), in all of our collective bargaining agreements covering the Flight Attendants in the 2339 Local Lodges.  Further, the IAM Transportation Department has established, at the direction of International President Tom Buffenbarger, the Transportation Merger Team to protect the interests of IAM members in any upcoming airline mergers.  “The industry has been in turmoil for several years,” said Transportation General Vice-President (GVP) Robert Roach, Jr.  “The IAM’s Merger Team is working under the assumption that every airline is talking to every other airline. Whichever airlines end up pairing together, we’re ready.  Protecting IAM members’ rights through a merger or acquisition is a complex matter,” said Roach. “Our success in winning representation rights and providing the IAM National Pension Plan for the former America West Fleet Service employees is a clear indication of the importance and the effectiveness of the Transportation Merger Team.”  The Mechanic & Related workers at recently merged US Airways and America West will also have an opportunity to join the IAM National Pension Plan as a result of the IAM’s involvement in that merger process.  “History has demonstrated that the next step for the airline industry is consolidation,” said GVP Roach. “IAM members at the combined US Airways are already benefiting from the IAM Merger Team, and we will do the same for all IAM members involved in future mergers,” Roach added.

Continental Airlines Flight Attendants are reminded that their 2007 Vacation Bid requests must be submitted no later than midnight, October 5th, 2006.  The enhanced annual vacation bid screens offer new features such as being able to see all bid screens at the same time and a colorized legend that prompts you if you have made a bidding error.  The ‘Annual Vacation Bid’ screen can be accessed from the home page of CCS.

Local Lodge 2339H voted Wednesday to change their Monthly Business Meeting from the fourth Wednesday of the month to the third Tuesday of the month.  By a unanimous vote of the membership present at the September 27th meeting, the decision was made to change the date of their meeting to better serve their membership by having the meeting on a date that does not conflict with the monthly trip-trading open window and national holidays several times a year.  It is the hoped that the change will encourage more members to attend.  The new date for the Monthly Business Meeting of LL2339H is reflected in the meeting information at the end of this message.

TSA To Allow Some Liquids, Gels Through Checkpoints - The Department of Homeland Security announced that, effective Tuesday, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents will allow small amounts of certain liquids and gels to pass through airport security checkpoints.  “Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries, 3 ounces or less, that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints,” a TSA news release said.  It also stated that travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secured boarding area, on-board the aircraft.

Northwest, Flight Attendants Restart Talks - The National Mediation Board has ordered Northwest Airlines and its flight attendants' union to return to contract negotiations. Northwest, which operates under bankruptcy protection, has already imposed a new contract on the workers, but it says it wants to continue with talks. The board rejected the union's request for a release from talks.  The talks resumed Thursday and will continue today and start up again October 9th.  Separately, Northwest feeder Mesaba Airlines said it would renew its request to reject contracts with three labor groups, including their flight attendants.
 

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, October 10th, 3:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Airport Hotel.

Cleveland:    Thursday, October 12th, 1:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Houston:       Tuesday, October 17th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.

Guam:            Wednesday, October 18th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.