This week’s 141 Report features the largest local in District 141. Based at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL, Local 1487 is an amalgamated air transport local representing over 7,000 members from United, American, Southwest, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines, and also airline support workers from UGE, Menzies Aviation, and Swissport.
Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi speaks with Dave about how happy he was to join the IAM when he began working at United in 1997, and within a year he became an active union member serving as Shop Steward. Over the next 23 years, Tony has served as Conductor Sentinel, Trustee, and Vice President before being elected President of the local lodge. Brother Tony is also the newest member of the District 141 Executive Board after he was recently appointed to a Trustee position.
Located 3 miles from O’Hare, Local 1487 was chartered in 1945, and the historical significance of his local makes Tony especially proud. The local has one of the largest and most active retiree clubs in District 141 that organize social and community service activities and whose wealth of knowledge and expertise make the group a valuable asset for today’s members.
During Tony’s tenure, he has worked to stabilize the finances of the local, modernize the local lodge building, and has developed and promoted committees. Besides the Retiree Club, Local 1487 now has active Women’s and Community Service Committees. Several members of the local serve in positions in District 141, including AGCs, Safety Reps, and Legislative Director Dave Roderick, who was for many years the local’s Secretary-Treasurer.
Local meetings are traditionally held twice a month, and Tony is looking forward to a near future when all in-person meetings can resume. He is doing his part and setting an example by getting his COVID vaccine at O’Hare this week, and urges all members to do the same to ensure everyone’s health and safety, now and in the future.
