Single Carrier Ruling Issued for Flight Attendants
April 5, 2011
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The IAM welcomed the National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for the Flight Attendant classification at the recently combined United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia Airlines. The ruling sets in motion a 14-day period during which the IAM will provide sufficient evidence of support for the NMB to call for a union representation election. The Board requires a “showing of interest” by at least 35 percent of the combined classification before an election will be scheduled.
“This election is about good wages, pensions, job security and flexible work rules – four things IAM Flight Attendants at Continental have and United Flight Attendants want,” said IAM Local 2339-N President Joey Guider.
IAM-represented Continental Flight Attendants earn up to $52.53 per hour base pay, 32.2 percent higher than United’s top rate, and they have a company-sponsored defined benefit pension plan and a guaranteed back-up pension plan, in addition to a 401(k) plan.
When the NMB schedules the election, it will mail voting instructions to eligible Flight Attendants who can cast their votes via telephone or an Internet website. Results are determined by a majority of votes cast in the election.
The IAM represents Continental and Continental Micronesia’s Flight Attendants, while United’s Flight Attendants are currently represented by another union. The IAM is the largest airline union in North America. More information about the IAM campaign for United Flight Attendants is available at www.iamnow.org.
