The IAM announced it reached a 20-month tentative interim agreement with Continental Airlines for a new contract covering the carrier’s 9,500 Flight Attendants. The agreement includes a critical no-furlough clause to protect IAM-represented Continental Flight Attendants throughout the life of the agreement.
The tentative interim agreement contains a 2.5 percent base wage increase retroactive to January 1, 2010, with an additional 2.5 percent increase on September 1, 2011. Additional terms include profit sharing, sick leave enhancements, company contributions to Flight Attendants 401(k) plans and numerous work rule improvements.
“The critical guidance, unwavering support and solidarity of the IAM Flight Attendant membership made this tentative agreement possible,” said Continental Flight Attendant and Local 2339N President Joey Guider. “The IAM Negotiating Committee unanimously recommends membership ratification.”
The new agreement becomes amendable on September 2, 2012. If a union representation election prompted by the merger of Continental and United Airlines is completed prior to the amendable date, negotiations for a transition agreement covering the combined airline’s Flight Attendants would commence.
Complete details will be available at www.go142.org after they are released to the membership. The ratification vote will take place by mail. A schedule for voting and informational meetings is being developed.
