Carlos O. Ayala, a longtime United Airlines Lead Ramp Service Employee at Houston’s Local Lodge 811, has been appointed IAM District 141 Vice President at Large by President Mike Klemm. His appointment was unanimously approved by the District 141 Executive Board. In his new role, Ayala will take on assignments as needed from PDGC Klemm to strengthen representation across the district. He was sworn into his new role at last week’s board meeting at District Headquarters in Chicago. 

Ayala began his airline career at Continental Airlines in 2007 and quickly became involved in the effort to unionize the ramp. “My greatest accomplishment was helping to bring a union from the tight, gripped at-will group at Continental Airlines Ramp,” Ayala said. “I passionately educated, mobilized, agitated, and motivated people to vote for a union when there was none.”

When Local Lodge 811 was formed in 2011, Ayala stepped forward as a union steward, beginning more than a decade of service in leadership roles. He served as lodge educator from 2012 to 2015, grievance committee member starting in 2016, and grievance committee chairman in 2023.

Along the way, he was mentored and supported by fellow union activists. “I had many mentors,” Ayala said. “I want to recognize Victor Hernandez, Gary Welch, and Jorge Bonilla for mentoring me and fighting by my side when forming the union or when we stood and rallied against the company or for any other union business that moved our union forward. I also want to thank PDGC Michael Klemm and the District 141 Executive Board for the opportunity to serve.”

District 141 President Mike Klemm praised Ayala’s record of service and dedication to the membership:

“Carlos has been a tireless advocate for his sisters and brothers at United and throughout our union. His leadership, experience, and commitment to building unity make him an outstanding choice for Vice President at Large. I am confident he will continue to strengthen our union and support our members with the same passion he has shown throughout his career.”

Ayala is also active in the broader Houston community. He enjoys playing sports, dancing, and spending time with his family and friends. His guiding motivation, however, remains clear: “Representing, assisting, and supporting my sisters and brothers day in and day out is the engine that moves me.”

Looking ahead to his new role as Vice President at Large, Ayala pledged his continued dedication to the membership. “I plan to do my best for my local, the district, my union, and the movement as a whole,” he said.

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