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

Friday, September 8, 2006
 

Continental Airlines Unveils Enhanced Vacation Bid Screen - District Lodge 142 and Local Lodge 2339 Representatives were given a preview of Continental Airlines’ enhanced annual vacation bid screens that debut this Sunday, September 10th.  The new features include 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.  Bidding will begin Sunday and continue through Thursday, October 5th, 2006.

IAM Launches ‘RallyAround.Us’ Campaign - With the critical November 7th election just two months away, the IAM has launched an innovative RallyAround.Us online campaign to galvanize voters in key gubernatorial races in 36 states. “Governors can have a significant impact on economic issues important to our members,” said International President Tom Buffenbarger. “With the ‘RallyAround.Us’ campaign, we’re asking our members and their families to get involved and help elect governors who can make a real difference in our lives, and in our wallets,” Buffenbarger added.  The special ‘RallyAround.Us’ website gives IAM members the chance to add their names to a virtual wall where signers pledge to vote in the November election and hold the politicians they elect accountable. The ‘RallyAround.Us’ website is part of the JUICE campaign to focus attention on key races for governor. The IAM has identified five pocketbook issues important to Machinists members: Jobs; Utility rates; Insurance premiums; Commuter woes and Educational equity (JUICE).  Log on to ‘RallyAround.Us’ and add your name to its virtual wall. You will be joining thousands of working men and women who pledge to go vote on November 7th for candidates who have the JUICE.

Continental Competes For China Service - Continental Airlines hopes to win the right to fly between and Shanghai, saying the potential market is up to five times bigger than markets proposed by other carriers. Continental hopes to start service on the route in 2007.

Analysts Speculate on Continental – United Merger - Some industry analysts say a merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines makes sense because the airlines' route structures complement each other. Other observers say the potential for labor problems makes the combination unlikely. Neither carrier would comment on the merger speculation.

Northwest Recalling All Furloughed Flight Attendants - Northwest Airlines says it will recall all 1,131 flight attendants on voluntary and involuntary furloughs. In a memo to the workers, which was confirmed by the company, Northwest says it will also recall an undisclosed number of pilots.  The carrier also reports that an unusually high number of flight attendants are taking sick leave. The airline and the union representing the workers are waiting for a judge to rule whether the workers may strike. A union representative says the union has not authorized any work action.

Court Allows Delta To End Pilot Pension Plan - A federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday granted Delta Air Lines' request to terminate its pilots' pension plan. The carrier also needs approval from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Delta has said that ending the pension is a key part of their plan to lower costs and emerge from bankruptcy protection.

Please note changes in two Local Lodge monthly business meetings below.  Local Lodge 2339N requested special dispensation from the Grand Lodge to move the September meeting from the Doubletree Hotel to the Marriott Airport Hotel to facilitate a greater membership turn-out.  The Marriott is on airport property and members can actually walk to the hotel or take frequent van service provided by the hotel.  In Guam, Local Lodge 2339G, requested special dispensation to move the September meeting up one week to September 13th, due to the travel schedule of Local Lodge Officers to attend Union functions on the mainland.  Both requests have been granted by the Grand Lodge and have been noted in the meeting information below.

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

Cleveland:  Thursday, September 14th, 4:00 p.m. at 669 North Rocky River Drive.

Guam:          Wednesday, September 13th, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room.

Houston:     Wednesday, September 27th, 1:00 p.m. at 15710 JFK Blvd.