Question: Does the IAM have a voluntary furlough program in its contract?

Answer: Yes. The Continental-IAM agreement has a voluntary furlough program, called COLA, for Company Offered Leave of Absence. A COLA is similar to voluntary furloughs at United. These voluntary leaves of absence allow Flight Attendants to continue receiving the same medical benefits and system-wide travel benefits as active employees. Continental Flight Attendants retain and continue to accrue seniority for all purposes while on COLA.