Machinists Withdraw From Comair ASAP Program

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District
142 today announced it has withdrawn from the maintenance Aviation Safety Action
Program (ASAP) at Delta Air Lines` regional subsidiary Comair.

"We have discussed the problems with this dysfunctional program with both Comair
and the FAA for months," said IAM District 142 President Tom Higginbotham, "We
no longer have any faith that this program will ever be managed according to the
regulations."

The ASAP program, a joint initiative between the Machinists Union, Comair and
the FAA in place since 2008, was designed to identify potential aircraft
maintenance-related safety issues and develop corrective actions to improve air
transportation safety. The program is dependant upon technicians submitting
reports which are then reviewed by an Event Review Committee (ERC) comprised of
FAA, Comair and Machinists Union representatives. The ERC then identifies any
problems or systemic issues and develop corrective solutions to prevent a future
reoccurrence.

The ASAP program is designed to take place without the reporting technician
having to fear any punitive or disciplinary actions. Comair has taken actions
against Machinist Union members who have submitted voluntary reports, contrary
to the letter and spirit of the FAA`s ASAP program. Additionally, Comair has
failed to provide a collaborative environment needed for an effective program to
work.

"We should not have to wait for an accident to occur before addressing safety
issues," said Higginbotham. "We are disappointed that Comair failed to take this
program, which is effective and runs well at over 35 other carriers, seriously."

The Machinists Union represents 530 Comair Mechanic and Related employees in
Cincinnati, OH; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Greensboro and Raleigh-Durham, NC and
Detroit, MI.

The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing more than
110,000 airline workers in various classifications, including aircraft
maintenance, flight attendant, fleet service, passenger service, reservation
agents, office & clerical, stock clerk and flight simulator technician. More
information about the IAM at Comair is available at www.iamdl142.org.

IAMAW
Dave Supplee
816-452-6646 (office)

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