The Update Message from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
representing Flight Attendants in the 2339 Local Lodges

Friday, February 5, 2010
 

Continental Flight Attendants please be aware that the company is currently issuing policies faster than they are turning reserves.  Recently the company issued advisories concerning the “Do’s & Don’ts” of posting to social networking sites, changes to the company “Drug & Alcohol” policy and uniform standards.  While members should be aware of company policies, please notify your Union representatives of any discrepancies that come to your attention in these matters.

IAM / Continental Contract 2010 Update Direct Negotiations Commence – The Union and the Company met on January 25 through January 29, 2010.  The first round of negotiations centered on the Letters of Agreement (LOA).  Several proposals were exchanged between the parties regarding issues within the LOA’s discussed.  Significant progress was made incorporating those letters into the body of the agreement.  Letters were removed that are no longer pertinent to the agreement.  The committee will continue their work in preparation for future rounds of negotiations while being available throughout the system to answer your questions and address your concerns.  The parties have scheduled additional meetings through August 2010.  Help your committee by being informed, stopping rumors and promoting unity.  Membership participation in the current online survey is very important.  Your negotiating committee encourages all members to take the survey, if you haven’t already done so.  You can access the negotiation survey at the District Lodge 142 website at the following address: http://www.iamdl142.org/contract2010/.

ExpressJet Flight Attendants:

• In the unfortunate event that your passport is no longer in your possession when you re-enter the country (USA), you will be detained by immigration officials until they can verify your eligibility to remain in the USA.  Some of these wait times have been lengthy!  The union strongly urges that all flight attendants make one or two photocopies of your passport, and if applicable, your Alien Registration Card, and keep them separate from your actual passport, e.g. one copy with your IFM, one somewhere accessible in your luggage.  Don’t count on the company to be available or willing to assist you by providing copies of your passport.  Please be proactive and keep copies of your passport available.  Make your copies soon.  You’ll be relieved that you did should you find yourself in this position.

• Please review the drafting and reassignment sections of your contract, Section 5.L.M. and N. If you feel you have been drafted improperly, gather as much information as possible and speak with a union representative.  Good documentation is a key element of a successful grievance.

U.S. Department of Labor Issues Findings – You may or may not be aware a protest was filed alleging numerous violations in the 2008 District Officer elections.  An internal investigation was conducted which resulted in a rerun of a portion of the election.  A complaint was also filed with the U. S. Department of Labor which conducted a separate investigation.  The U. S. Department of Labor has recently issued the findings of their investigation in an extensive report.  It concluded no violation of the LMRDA occurred that may have affected the outcome of the election.  The report in its entirety is posted on the District web site www.iamdl142.org for your review.

District 142 is pleased to announce its annual Scholarship Competition Program for 2010 will open on February 16, 2010 and will close at midnight April 30, 2010. The competition will be based on an essay competition, the subject of which will be selected by the Scholarship Committee. The competition will be open to all members in good standing of District Lodge 142 as of February 1, 2010, as well as their legal children who are 2010 graduating high school seniors. The winners of the competition will receive scholarship tuition of $1,000.00. This money will be paid directly to the college or accredited institution of higher knowledge, at which the entrant is accepted, for tuition only. Application forms for the competition together with specific rules and regulations are available through your Local Lodge. Additionally, the General Chairperson assigned to your area can provide answers to any other inquiries concerning the entire program. All eligible members and year 2010 graduating high school seniors who are legal children of members are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to win financial assistance toward their continuing education.

For complete details on the Scholarship Competition, please refer to the Scholarship 2010 Bulletin at the District's website, http://www.iamdl142.org/Bulletins/2010/Scholarship_2010_Bulletin.pdf.