Continental vows healthcare cost cap

HOUSTON, May 25 (UPI) -- Continental Airlines, still negotiating with U.S. flight attendants, says unions that have accepted lower pay won't face more healthcare costs.

Unlike Continental's pilots and mechanics, the flight attendants rejected a concession package in March.

Last week the airline vowed no more increases this year in healthcare contributions for union members who approved wage and benefit concessions.

The move is being seen as a way to pressure the flight attendants, the Houston Chronicle said Wednesday.

"Does it say to the flight attendants, get on board? Yes, it does," said airline consultant Mike Boyd of Boyd Aviation Group.

"What is unusual, there isn't a whole lot of time here. There has to be some agreement at some point in the future because Continental needs it to keep on operating."