INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

FLIGHT LINE
DOJ Approves Continental –
United Merger IN THIS ISSUE
By IAM Staff Writer Merger Approved 1

The Department of Justice cleared the United-Continental XJT Merger 1

merger of any anti-trust issues, giving the merger regulatory
approval. President’s Message 2
“It is clear by the simultaneous announcements of leasing slots Committee Reports 6
in Newark to Southwest Airlines and the DOJ clearing this
transaction that United/Continental was attempting to satisfy the Filing Pay Claims 7
IAM’s concerns expressed at our meeting with the DOJ regarding the
loss of jobs as a result of this merger,” said IAM General Vice Proposition 8 8
President Robert Roach, Jr. “However this does not satisfy the IAM’s Meeting Agenda 9
concerns about the potential loss of jobs.”
“The IAM has raised our concerns before Congress, various
government agencies and at the bargaining table,” said Roach. “We
Flight Line
will continue meeting with Congress, Governors, State Legislators A Monthly Publication
and any other party to protect the interests of all the employees that President-Joey Guider
could be affected by this transaction.” (continued on page 3) V.P. – Mike Becerra
Editor-Michael Zirulnik
All Content ! of IAM Local
Lodge 2339N
2010, All Rights Reserved

www.LL23394u.org

ASA – XJT Merger Proposed

Atlantic Southeast parent company SkyWest Inc. announced Wednesday, August 4th, they
will be purchasing ExpressJet Holdings Inc. SkyWest officials are planning to fold ExpressJet's
operations into those of SkyWest subsidiary Atlantic Southeast Airlines, which SkyWest bought
from Delta in 2005.
The deal, the biggest ever in the regional airline business, would consolidate most of the
regional flying done for United and Continental under SkyWest's umbrella next year, just as
United and Continental expect to consummate their merger. Customary antitrust and DOT
regulatory approvals are required. The company also says it negotiated a long-term service
agreement between Atlantic Southeast and Continental that will commence once ExpressJet's
operations are merged into Atlantic Southeast's. (continued on page 4)
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

President’s Message
Dear Members,

Again we are faced with another merger with our Brothers and Sisters
at ExpressJet. They are in a very unique situation compared to the
proposed Continental/United merger. The agreement is for ExpressJet
to be purchased by SkyWest and merged into ASA (Atlantic
Southeast). Vice President Michael Becerra has been through
negotiation training at the IAM Education Center and is ready and able
to represent the membership with the committee. As we have
promised, whenever we have information we will supply it and if we
do not we will communicate this as well. The ExpressJet Negotiation
Committee is scheduled for their first formal meeting with the
Company on September 20, 2010.

Contract Negotiations continue at Continental with the committee having met for two consecutive
weeks in Denver (August 16 – 27). The committee continues working hard to provide our
membership with an industry-leading contract. Many have questioned why we are putting
resources into a contract when we have a merger ahead of us. Both CAL/UAL are under
concessionary contracts that were put in place to make the respective companies survivable due to
past industry conditions. It is now time to reap the benefits our sacrifice.

The flight attendants at Continental continue receiving awards and proving they are the best in the
industry. This is the time to achieve our goals in collective bargaining. AFA needs to step up to
the plate and provide for its membership so when we go for a transitional agreement we are not in
a tail spin like US Airways/America West after 5yrs of a merged company. To date, that combined
company is no better than it was before.

The merger summit conference completed its second round of training with representatives
meeting in Placid Harbor at the IAM Education Center, August 29 – September 1. Your Executive
Board, Grievance Reps, District Reps, and Grand Lodge Reps continue building on working
together to provide for its membership well into the future.

Together we can all come through this merger with a secure future by unifying now. We ask that
you wear your union pin with pride. You are always encouraged to attend your lodge meeting to
obtain timely information and grab a bite to eat. Until next time, wishing everyone a smooth
transition into our fall flying.

Best Wishes,

Joey Guider
President

"Hold hands not grudges."

-Caribou Coffee Co.

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

DOJ Approves Continental – United Merger

(continued from page 1) The merger must still be approved by each carrier’s shareholders. The
airlines expect the transaction to close by October 1, 2010.
While airline officials and industry analysts are cheerleading the United – Continental
merger, IAM leaders sat down last week with Department of Justice (DOJ) officials to relay the
real world concerns of front-line employees at both carriers.
“Our members at United and Continental have witnessed previous mergers taking a toll
on employees and we’re determined that their concerns will be heard by all of the decision makers
in this process,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr.
Attending the meeting with GVP Roach were Administrative Assistant Sito Pantoja, Airline
Coordinator Tom Brickner, District 141 President Rich Delaney, District 142 President Tom
Higginbotham and IAM Associate General Counsel David Neigus.
The IAM met with Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Christine Varney and members
of her staff. While the Department of Justice’s review is restricted in scope to anti-trust issues,
Varney understood the tremendous impact airline mergers can have on employees, passengers
and the communities the airlines serve.
“It’s important for decision-makers everywhere, whether they run airlines or government
agencies, to understand the concerns of the workers, families and communities their decisions will
affect,” said District 141 President Rich Delaney.
“This meeting provided an opportunity to communicate to yet another government department
the opinions and concerns of our membership,” said District 142 President Tom Higginbotham.
“We appreciate their willingness to listen.”

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

ASA – XJT Merger Proposed

(continued from page 1) We know this integration, IAM flight attendants will continue
type of major news can be very unnerving, as working under the terms of their ExpressJet
there are so many unknowns in the equation. contract until two things happen:
Any information we have we will pass along 1. Representation issues are resolved and the
to you as soon as it becomes available. combined flight attendants are represented by a
Following are some questions that may be on single union
your mind: – AND -
What will happen to XJT flight attendant 2. The surviving union negotiates an agreement
seniority? with the new carrier to bring all flight
Historically, the IAM’s seniority attendants under a single collective bargaining
integration policy has been agreement.
to integrate by the current Similarly, pre-merger ASA
date of hire into the flight attendants will
specified classification continue working under the
(dovetailing). However, the terms of the agreement they
IAM recognizes that negotiated with ASA until
sometimes issues arise that negotiations for the
require more consideration combined group are
than simple dovetailing. The concluded.
IAM will create seniority The IAM-ExpressJet
integration committees agreement already surpasses
made up of representatives the ASA agreement in many
from both pre-merger ways and your bargaining
airlines to resolve seniority committee is currently
disputes when they arise. If beginning negotiations with
agreements cannot be ExpressJet to improve on
reached, the issues will be what is already a leading
submitted to a neutral (Pictured above: XJT FA, Ishmael Arroyo) contract in the regional
arbitrator for resolution. airline industry.
The IAM has a history of protecting Which union will represent XJT flight
seniority in mergers – that is not the case for attendants?
all unions. For example, when United bought If a merger is completed, one issue that
Pan Am’s Pacific routes in 1985, AFA argued will be addressed is which union, if any, will
before a neutral arbitrator that Pan Am flight represent flight attendants at the combined
attendants should be stapled to the bottom of airline. The National Mediation Board (NMB),
the combined seniority list. the government agency responsible for
In contrast, when US Airways and conducting airline union representation
America West merged, the IAM’s merger elections, has procedures to resolve
policy protected the seniority dates of representation disputes in airline mergers.
employees at both carriers, even if they were Ultimately, flight attendant union
formerly members of another union. representation will be determined by a vote of
Will we still work under our XJT contract? flight attendants. (continued on page 5)
Even after there may be operational

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

ASA – XJT Merger Proposed (cont’d)

(continued from page 4)
Will we keep our current XJT crew bases?
It is expected that all crew bases will
remain in place due to the fact that the
company has already negotiated a long-term
service agreement with Continental contingent
on the completion of the merger.
IAM Response…
Our own International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
General Vice President Robert Roach Jr., made
the following statement in response to the
announcement of a proposed merger between
ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast
Airlines:
“It is not a surprise that the merger-
mania roiling the major airlines is spreading to
regional carriers. The lack of any appreciable
regulation in the airline industry ensures that
carriers large and small will continue to tear
each other down and exacerbate their failure to
serve passengers, employees
and communities.
The Machinists Union will protect our
ExpressJet Flight Attendants and defend their
contract if this merger with Atlantic Southeast
Airlines goes forward. We will work with the
carriers, legislators and government regulators
to ensure our members are beneficiaries, rather
than victims, of consolidation.”
Your IAM representatives met with XJT
management just two days after the
announcement. However, not much
information was shared, as it is not available at
this early point in a merger. The company has
agreed to keep the IAM informed as
developments occur and information becomes
available.
IAM representatives are set to meet with
ASA's President, Brad Holt and Vice President
of Inflight, Brandee Reynolds in early
October. Also, a Merger Summit was held
August 29-September 1st, where cohesive
strategic merger planning took place with your
IAM representatives present from your Local
Lodge 2339-N as well as from other 2339 Local
Lodges..
For any immediate questions you have
please feel free to leave a note in the union
mailbox, ask a union representative at the
union desk, or e-mail
working4u@LL23394u.org. Also, stay up to
date by filling out a Merger Watch card at the
union desk and visit www.LL23394u.org &
www.faMergerMatters.org. Rest assured your
union is already working hard on your behalf.

Pilates for Pink

By Sara Gonzales

Your Local Lodge will be participating in the annual Shape

Magazine and Breast Cancer Research Foundation event, Pilates
for Pink. The event takes place Sunday, October 3rd from 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM in Union Square Park, NYC. Pilates classes are offered
throughout the day benefiting the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation. Look for us in the crew rooms selling breast cancer
awareness items that also benefit the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation. Dates for those fundraisers will be forthcoming. For
more information about Pilates for Pink, visit: www.shapeonline.com/pfp/

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N
Committee Reports
ALERT: CAL – Vacation
Accrual
By Joey Guider
We would like to bring to your attention
CCS message 2011 Vacation Selection. Please
take the time to verify your vacation accrual is
correct. There have been reports that those
affected by the volcano lost accrual because
their line fell below 40 hrs. Please be assured
your union is addressing this major issue. If
you have any questions please call 973-681-
0086.
XJT Grievance Report
By Michael Becerra
There have been complaints that reserves
are not being assigned in the correct order,
which is a major issue. Flight Attendants are
being advised by crew scheduling not to look at
the FIFO order on the pool display as
scheduling sees a different list. There are
reserves that continue to fly 80+ hours per
month while many who want to fly are flying as
few as 30 hours for the month. We ask that
when you see a discrepancy to please print out
the information and provide it to a union
representative.
If you are awarded R1, R2, R3, or R4
reserve lines, the first 3 days of the month are
converted to 24hr reserve. You can reference
page 52 of your contract for further
information. There have been instances that
FA’s have been awarded R1, R2, R3, or R4 and
the entire line has been converted to 24hr
callout that is in breach of the contract. Please
view your line after it is finalized to verify that
only the contractual modifications allowed have
been completed.
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SEPTEMBER, 2010
Communication Report
By Sara Gonzales
The communication team is consistently at
the union tables trying to disseminate information
in person, "friending" you on Facebook, adding
committee reports to our YouTube Channel, and
bringing you Flight Line on a monthly
basis. Being able to share information is key in
any organization, but even more so with our
unique transient lifestyles as flight attendants in
the middle of the largest aviation merger in airline
history. We have heard your concerns in these
uncertain times and have tried to address them in
every way possible. Please do your part by
stopping by the union desk to pick up a copy of
Flight Line at the beginning of the month,
searching for us on Facebook
(facebook@LL23394u.org), checking out our Local
Lodge YouTube Channel "NewarkLocal2339-N"
or seeing what's new on www.LL23394u.org.
GET INVOLVED!
Union Meeting
Date:
*September 14, 2010
Time:
3pm (eastern)
Place:
Marriott Hotel
1 Hotel Road
Newark, NJ 07114
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

How to File Pay Claims

The grievance committee encourages every member to check your paystub each month. If you feel
that there is a discrepancy, please call crew scheduling and select option #7 for crew pay Monday
through Friday, during normal business hours. You may also file a pay claim. Responses are
typically generated within 48 hours. If the response from the filed pay claim is unsatisfactory,
bring copies of all information regarding the incident to the grievance table (i.e., copy of your
schedule, copy of the pairing, copy of flifo (if applicable), copy of the pay claim response) and we
will do our best to remedy the situation for you.

Below, are instructions for how to file a pay claim:

How To Put In A Pay Claim (back to beginning)

Login to CCS. Go To Pay and then Pay Claim.
Tab over to EMP NUM and put in the correct 5-digit employee number.
Tab over to CLASS and type the letter F (for flight attendant).
Tab over to BASE and enter the three-letter code for the F/A’s base.
Tab over to POS and put FA.
Tab over to ADD and put A (to add a claim).
Tab over to OCC DT and enter the date the occurrence/question occurred in DDMMYY format.
(Use the actual date of the problem, not the date of the paycheck where a possible error occurred.)
Tab down to EXPLAIN and briefly (you have 3 lines) explain the error or question.
Tab down to UPDATE and put Y. Press ENTER.
Once you update, the computer will assign the claim a number. Write down the number so you
can check for the response.

How To View The Response To Your Pay Claim

To check for a response, simply pull up the claim
screen, enter the claim number and press enter.
Claims are answered within 1-2 business days.
NOTE: Incase the response is longer than 3 lines, you
may need to go to page 2 of the claim. You can tab
over to page 2 and page 3 by pressing ALT 8. To go
backwards from page 2 back to page 1, press ALT 7.

If the computers are busy and the telephone is

available, try calling the Employee Smartlink number
(1-800-651-1007). It is available during business hours
on Monday through Friday. Follow the prompts for
"flight pay and per diem questions" if you have a
question regarding anything found on your pay
register. If you have a question regarding taxes and
other deductions, follow the prompts for "payroll,
taxes, and deductions." (Article by Julie Hill)

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

Proposition 8 in the News

By Chris Boelens

U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled on August 4th that California's Proposition 8 ballot
initiative denying marriage rights to same-sex couples was unconstitutional. The judge ruled that Proposition
8 is "unconstitutional under both the due process and equal protection clauses." Proposition 8 fails to
advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed the
evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California constitution the notion that
opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples thus violating their civil rights.
As we have reported in previous issues of Flight Line, our Legislative team is working to improve
the lives of every member. Advocating for legislation that promotes the rights of the LGBT community is
one of our main focuses. Our passion requires us to stand up for every American no matter their sexual
orientation, gender or race. We believe that this decision is pivotal in protecting equal rights under the state
and federal law and allowing our voice to be heard in our country and communities.
Many new political and protest organizations formed in response to Prop 8 originally passing,
including the NOH8 campaign. The Legislative Committee, as well as key members of the Communications
team and E-board have pledged their support to the NOH8 campaign. The NOH8 Campaign is a
photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net) and
partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct
tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the
world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.
The NOH8 Campaign has gained support from around the world, appearing on various local and
national news programs and publications. The images are currently being used on social networking sites
(predominantly Facebook and Twitter) to spread the message of equality. This campaign reflects an
important message of hope in creating an organization of unity, understating and support. Much like the
Legislative Committee for IAM 2339-N they are an outlet for solutions. With a dignified effort among its
supporters, the campaign will surely make history.

www.noh8campaign.com

(From left to right: Cindy McCain, Kim Kardashian, Kathy Griffin)

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

Business Meeting LL2339-N

Agenda for September 8, 2010
1. Vote to approve to spend an additional $6300 for the communications committee for each month of September and October to
increase our communications team.

2. Vote to approve to spend up to $11000 for the communication committee for each month of November and December for
communicating information that has been approved by the e-board to the membership at Continental & ExpressJet .

3. Vote to approve to pay lost wages to Michael Becerra to attend the ExpressJet contract negotiations. Cost will not exceed
$1500 for up to 10 days work per month for each month of September, October, November and December 2010.

4. Vote to approve to send up to 30 people from Continental and ExpressJet Hotel Committee to the hotel conference October 21-
23 in NJ. Cost is for registration fee only, which is $50 per person.

5. Vote to approve to spend up to $5000 for office supplies and equipment as needed to maintain local lodge office operating
efficiently.

6. Vote to approve to spend up to $9760 for the total cost of purchasing and implementing the electronic grievance tracking
system

7. Vote to approve to pay up to $350 per month for the cost of maintaining the grievance tracking system server for 28 months

8. Vote to approve to spend up to $3000 for unity items such as lanyards, ID pulleys, pens, pins, to be handed out to membership
of LL2339-N.

9. Vote to approve to reimburse Joey Guider for the cost of hotel while attending negotiations. Cost not to exceed $2000 per
month for the months of September, October, November and December 2010. Cost will then be reimbursed to the local by
District Lodge 142.

10. Vote to approve to spend up to $3000 to host a Solidarity Meet & Greet for all our IAM Brothers and Sisters of
Northwest/Delta and other IAM locals and IAM organizing targets on EWR property. Cost to include meeting room, food and
beverages to be served.

11. Vote to approve to spend up to $5200 to send 10 members to the Annual Guide Dogs of America Banquet to take place
November 19-21st, 2010 in Las Vegas. Amount to include banquette, hotel accommodations for 2 nights and per diem for 3 days.
Attendees will be selected by the e-board.

12. Vote to approve to spend up to $4200 to laminate the union membership cards that will be distributed to every member.

13. Vote to approve to spend up to $1500 to sponsor a school(s) within Newark to provide IAM logo school supplies to show our
involvement in the local community.

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS, LL2339N SEPTEMBER, 2010

LL2339N Monthly Business Meeting

Date: September 14, 2010
*Due to circumstances beyond our control we
will be having our September 14th monthly
Newark Local Lodge Business Meeting at the
Newark Airport Marriott Hotel. We will be
returning to our regular location at the
Renaissance Hotel in October. We apologize for
any inconvenience this may have caused anyone
and look forward to seeing you at the meeting
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 3p.m. at the
October 3rd, Union Sq. Park (NYC) Marriott Hotel – 1 Hotel Road, Newark, New
Jersey 07114.

In Solidarity…Union Strong

IAMAW—LL2339N
One Gateway Center, Suite 2600
Newark, New Jersey 07105

[Affix address label here]