May 11 , 2012

Captain Lee Moak
President
Air Line Pilots Association, International
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036

Re: JCBA Mediation with Continental/United

Dear Captain Moak:

As you know, negotiations for a JCBA have continued long past the time when they should have concluded . In an effort to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion, the two MECs, with the support of the NMB, have agreed with the Company to an expedited schedule of intense mediation between now and midJune.

The Continental pilots remain committed to this process. However, in the event our efforts do not produce the terms for a JCBA, we need to be prepared for the next logical stage to ensure that these negotiations are completed. Given that the NMB must take certain deliberate actions before it issues a proffer of arbitration, including consideration of the ongoing state of negotiations, it is necessary to take the first step.

Accordingly, in the judgment of the Continental MEC, it is time to move the negotiations forward with a request for a release from mediation.

Our only additional request is that, if you agree to submit a request for a release, you make clear our continued commitment to the expedited, intense mediation ahead of us. It is our sincere hope that we complete the terms for a JCBA without the necessity for NMB action, but we must be prepared in any case.

Captain Jay Pierce
Master Chairman