Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

IAM141.org

The pilot flying the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle last Friday is getting noticed for her super-chill handling a blowout of a cabin door as her plane was three miles in the air.

Just after 5 pm local time on Friday, an emergency door that had been deactivated and converted for use as part of the regular cabin structure blew out at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The plane was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members at the time.

This terrifying event resulted in the depressurization of the cabin. The force of air rushing in was so powerful that it ripped off the shirt of a young boy, who was held tightly by his mother. Multiple passengers also watched helplessly as their phones were sucked out into the night sky.

The pilots touched down safely at Portland International Airport just 20 minutes after takeoff.  

Fortunately, no one aboard was seriously injured, thanks in part to the fact that the rows next to the door were empty. 

But a larger factor in preventing the incident from worsening was the pilot’s remarkably calm approach to managing the crisis. In fact, her demeanor was so steady and controlled that Air Traffic Control needed to ask if an emergency was happening at all.

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency. We are depressurized. We do need to return. We have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

The pilot, whose name had not been made public at the time of this writing, was also credited with preventing panic among passengers.

In a report published by NBC News, multiple passengers praised the flight crew for their composure and credited the “calmness” of the pilot’s voice as being what had “kept everyone calm.”

Below: Transcript from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Air traffic controller: “1282 foreign approach. Good afternoon. You still have information zero?”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yeah, we do have information zero, we’d like to get lower, if possible.”

Air traffic controller: “Possibility 1282 descend and maintain 7,000.”

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency, we are depressurized, we do need to return back to, we have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said that “maintenance crews checked the plane and cleared it to fly — but the airline decided not to use it for the long route to Hawaii over water so that it ‘could return very quickly to an airport’ if the warning light reappeared.”

In the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident, other airlines and federal agencies are implementing additional safety measures.

United Airlines, which operates the Boeing 737 Max 9, has begun inspections of its fleet, focusing particularly on the door plugs and pressurization systems. The airline is reviewing installation procedures and adjusting protocols as necessary.

In a memo to employees, the airline said, “As of Monday, service on that aircraft remains suspended, and we have canceled 200 MAX 9 flights. We expect significant cancellations on Tuesday as well, though we have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations on both Monday and Tuesday.”

As part of the inspections, United is removing two rows of seats and the sidewall liner to access each door plug, a task already completed on most MAX 9s. The process also involves inspecting and verifying the proper installation of the door and frame hardware, opening the door to inspect the area around it and the seal, ensuring any loose door bolts are tightened, and then re-securing the door to ensure it is properly fitted.

United’s teams will then document and correct any discrepancies before an aircraft returns to service. Each inspection requires a team of five United technicians and takes several hours per aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new inspection guidelines for Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. The FAA is ensuring that all airlines adhere to these updated safety measures and inspection requirements in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Maria Deacon, Tech Ops SVP at United, stressed the importance of diligence during this process. In a message to employees, she said, ‘It’s absolutely crucial we all maintain our focus on safety and compliance, and not be distracted or feel rushed.’

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Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

9 January 2024

The pilot flying the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle last Friday is getting noticed for her super-chill handling a blowout of a cabin door as her plane was three miles in the air.

Just after 5 pm local time on Friday, an emergency door that had been deactivated and converted for use as part of the regular cabin structure blew out at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The plane was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members at the time.

This terrifying event resulted in the depressurization of the cabin. The force of air rushing in was so powerful that it ripped off the shirt of a young boy, who was held tightly by his mother. Multiple passengers also watched helplessly as their phones were sucked out into the night sky.

The pilots touched down safely at Portland International Airport just 20 minutes after takeoff.  

Fortunately, no one aboard was seriously injured, thanks in part to the fact that the rows next to the door were empty. 

But a larger factor in preventing the incident from worsening was the pilot’s remarkably calm approach to managing the crisis. In fact, her demeanor was so steady and controlled that Air Traffic Control needed to ask if an emergency was happening at all.

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency. We are depressurized. We do need to return. We have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

The pilot, whose name had not been made public at the time of this writing, was also credited with preventing panic among passengers.

In a report published by NBC News, multiple passengers praised the flight crew for their composure and credited the “calmness” of the pilot’s voice as being what had “kept everyone calm.”

Below: Transcript from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Air traffic controller: “1282 foreign approach. Good afternoon. You still have information zero?”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yeah, we do have information zero, we’d like to get lower, if possible.”

Air traffic controller: “Possibility 1282 descend and maintain 7,000.”

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency, we are depressurized, we do need to return back to, we have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said that “maintenance crews checked the plane and cleared it to fly — but the airline decided not to use it for the long route to Hawaii over water so that it ‘could return very quickly to an airport’ if the warning light reappeared.”

In the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident, other airlines and federal agencies are implementing additional safety measures.

United Airlines, which operates the Boeing 737 Max 9, has begun inspections of its fleet, focusing particularly on the door plugs and pressurization systems. The airline is reviewing installation procedures and adjusting protocols as necessary.

In a memo to employees, the airline said, “As of Monday, service on that aircraft remains suspended, and we have canceled 200 MAX 9 flights. We expect significant cancellations on Tuesday as well, though we have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations on both Monday and Tuesday.”

As part of the inspections, United is removing two rows of seats and the sidewall liner to access each door plug, a task already completed on most MAX 9s. The process also involves inspecting and verifying the proper installation of the door and frame hardware, opening the door to inspect the area around it and the seal, ensuring any loose door bolts are tightened, and then re-securing the door to ensure it is properly fitted.

United’s teams will then document and correct any discrepancies before an aircraft returns to service. Each inspection requires a team of five United technicians and takes several hours per aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new inspection guidelines for Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. The FAA is ensuring that all airlines adhere to these updated safety measures and inspection requirements in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Maria Deacon, Tech Ops SVP at United, stressed the importance of diligence during this process. In a message to employees, she said, ‘It’s absolutely crucial we all maintain our focus on safety and compliance, and not be distracted or feel rushed.’

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New International President Bryant Sworn In

New International President Bryant Sworn In

New International President Bryant Sworn In

New International President Bryant Sworn In

IAM141.org

As the new year of 2024 opens, so does a new chapter in the 135-year history of the IAM. Members of the IAM Executive Council on Friday, Jan. 5 took part in an officer installation ceremony at IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Watch the full installation ceremony here.

“From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more humbled to have taken this oath to become your 15th International President,” said IAM International President Bryant. “It is time to not just improve the state of working people, but to fundamentally transform the way working people live. We demand not just a seat at the table, but a chance to call the shots.”

Retired IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. administered the oath of office to the Executive Council.

“Brian Bryant knows what it means to lead,” said Martinez. “He has a vision for the future to engage and inspire our membership.”

Bryant, a 34-year IAM member, initiated into the IAM in 1989 when he joined Local S6 while employed at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A pipefitter by trade, Bryant became active in his local and district before being appointed to the Eastern Territory staff. Bryant held three positions on the IAM Executive Council before becoming International President.

 

IAM Executive Council as of Jan. 1, 2024:

International President Brian Bryant Local S6
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes Local 2198
General Vice Presidents Gary R. Allen Local 794
  David Chartrand Local 712
  David Sullivan Local S6
  Richie Johnsen Local 1781
  Craig Martin Local 470
  Jody Bennett Local 2771
  Sam Cicinelli Local 701

 

 

The Executive Council is preparing to review the report of the IAM Committee on the Future, which held dozens of town hall style meetings with members across North America. The report will drive the changes and new ideas used within the organization.

“We know that the world is changing, and that our union must not simply change with it, but lead that change,” said Bryant.

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New International President Bryant Sworn In

8 January 2024

As the new year of 2024 opens, so does a new chapter in the 135-year history of the IAM. Members of the IAM Executive Council on Friday, Jan. 5 took part in an officer installation ceremony at IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Watch the full installation ceremony here.

“From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more humbled to have taken this oath to become your 15th International President,” said IAM International President Bryant. “It is time to not just improve the state of working people, but to fundamentally transform the way working people live. We demand not just a seat at the table, but a chance to call the shots.”

Retired IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. administered the oath of office to the Executive Council.

“Brian Bryant knows what it means to lead,” said Martinez. “He has a vision for the future to engage and inspire our membership.”

Bryant, a 34-year IAM member, initiated into the IAM in 1989 when he joined Local S6 while employed at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A pipefitter by trade, Bryant became active in his local and district before being appointed to the Eastern Territory staff. Bryant held three positions on the IAM Executive Council before becoming International President.

IAM Executive Council as of Jan. 1, 2024:

International President Brian Bryant Local S6
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes Local 2198
General Vice Presidents Gary R. Allen Local 794
  David Chartrand Local 712
  David Sullivan Local S6
  Richie Johnsen Local 1781
  Craig Martin Local 470
  Jody Bennett Local 2771
  Sam Cicinelli Local 701

 

The Executive Council is preparing to review the report of the IAM Committee on the Future, which held dozens of town hall style meetings with members across North America. The report will drive the changes and new ideas used within the organization.

“We know that the world is changing, and that our union must not simply change with it, but lead that change,” said Bryant.

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SMX Cargo Negotiations Update

SMX Cargo Negotiations Update

SMX Cargo Contract Negotiations Update

18 December 2023

IAM District 141-SMX Cargo Negotiations Update

Your District Lodge 141 negotiating team met with SM Cargo management negotiators this past week in Chicago.

Talks continued to flow in a positive direction. Although we didn’t reach a final Tentative Agreement on any articles this session, we did make progress. This progress was made on Article 3, which covers compensation and pay; Article 9, which applies to Vacation and holidays; and Article 10, which deals with sick leave.

Most items still under discussion are related to economic issues.

Once again, the articles on which we have reached a tentative agreement remain:

Article 2
Article 7
Article 8
Article 26

Our next session will take place the week of January 2, 2024. After that negotiating session, we will report back and let you know what work has been done on your behalf.

Your Negotiating Committee

Rich Robinson
Gary Welch
Julius Broady

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

IAM141.org

CHICAGO – Faysal Silwany was sworn in as vice president by Machinists Union District President Mike Klemm in a ceremony that took place during Wednesday’s District 141 Executive Board meeting.

Silwany, a member of Local 914 in Newark, New Jersey, has been with United Airlines since 2006, starting as a ramp agent. He began serving as a Union Steward in 2015. He later served as an Executive Board Trustee, and in 2019, he was elected to serve as a Committeeman for Local 914.

In his new role, Silwany will support Assistant General Chairs in the Eastern United States and undertake any additional assignments that union members may require.

His appointment, effective immediately, was unanimously approved by the District 141 Executive Board at the IAMAW District 141 Committee Conference in October.

President Klemm praised Silwany’s appointment, stating, “With Faysal Silwany stepping into the role of Vice President, we are reinforcing our commitment to strong, member-focused leadership. His proven ability to negotiate and advocate effectively will be key in our ongoing efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for our members.”

Silwany will also play a vital role in the upcoming Section 6 Contract Negotiations at United Airlines. Section 6 Negotiations are usually lengthy and can take years to negotiate.

Silwany is an experienced union negotiator and was part of the team that secured critical job protections for union members at 17 separate stations around the nation. The agreements also required the airline to insource work at five stations – Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Miami, Raleigh Durham, and Salt Lake City. The agreements also provided pay raises and work rule changes that will help union members while Section 6 Negotiations are underway.

Silwany’s experience in union negotiations will be crucial in the upcoming contract talks with United Airlines. He was part of the team that negotiated a previous contract extension, which was instrumental in preventing outsourcing, increasing pay, and securing beneficial provisions for union members.

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Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

16 November 2023

CHICAGO – Faysal Silwany was sworn in as vice president by Machinists Union District President Mike Klemm in a ceremony that took place during Wednesday’s District 141 Executive Board meeting.

Silwany, a member of Local 914 in Newark, New Jersey, has been with United Airlines since 2006, starting as a ramp agent. He began serving as a Union Steward in 2015. He later served as an Executive Board Trustee, and in 2019, he was elected to serve as a Committeeman for Local 914.

In his new role, Silwany will support Assistant General Chairs in the Eastern United States and undertake any additional assignments that union members may require.

His appointment, effective immediately, was unanimously approved by the District 141 Executive Board at the IAMAW District 141 Committee Conference in October.

President Klemm praised Silwany’s appointment, stating, “With Faysal Silwany stepping into the role of Vice President, we are reinforcing our commitment to strong, member-focused leadership. His proven ability to negotiate and advocate effectively will be key in our ongoing efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for our members.”

Silwany will also play a vital role in the upcoming Section 6 Contract Negotiations at United Airlines. Section 6 Negotiations are usually lengthy and can take years to negotiate.

Silwany is an experienced union negotiator and was part of the team that secured critical job protections for union members at 17 separate stations around the nation. The agreements also required the airline to insource work at five stations – Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Miami, Raleigh Durham, and Salt Lake City. The agreements also provided pay raises and work rule changes that will help union members while Section 6 Negotiations are underway.

Silwany’s experience in union negotiations will be crucial in the upcoming contract talks with United Airlines. He was part of the team that negotiated a previous contract extension, which was instrumental in preventing outsourcing, increasing pay, and securing beneficial provisions for union members.

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Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

IAM141.org

Machinists Union Local 914, representing over 4,000 members at Newark Liberty International Airport, recently hosted its inaugural Black Tie Holiday Gala and Toy Drive. The event, held at the prestigious Newark Symphony Hall, was a testament to the local’s commitment to the Newark, N.J. area, IAM leaders, and local dignitaries. Event organizers also collected hundreds of toys – just in time for the Holidays.

The gala was not just a social event but also a charitable one, with over 200 toys collected for local children. IAM Local 914 President Richie Roberts, who has been with the IAM for a decade, highlighted the local’s mission and future aspirations. “We are trying to make a difference in this Local Lodge,” Roberts said. “We are moving the Local forward and there’s a lot more that we have planned.”

Roberts extended his gratitude to Donyea Hoffman, Chair of the Local 914 Human Rights Committee, for her instrumental role in making the gala a reality. The event also served as a platform to honor retiring IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. with an appreciation award. This award recognized the significant contributions of Martinez and the IAM in protecting the jobs of thousands of IAM airline members during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through their advocacy for the airline Payroll Support Program. The Payroll Support Program was instrumental in preventing widespread President layoffs that would have crippled the commercial aviation sector during the pandemic.

Accepting the award on behalf of Martinez was IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, who was present along with other notable IAM figures such as Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff of the IAM Air Transport Territory, and IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Reagan. In his keynote address, Johnsen commended Local 914’s efforts, saying, “Local 914 is doing things the right way to represent and bring together our membership. Across the Air Transport Territory, we are seeing our members more engaged in their union and their communities.”

The gala also recognized the contributions of Martin Melody Law LLC and National Group Protection have made on behalf of Local 914 and its membership. The event was graced by several Newark area elected officials, including councilmembers Larry Crump and Patrick Council, a representative for Councilmember Michael Silva, and former councilmembers Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins and Oscar Sydney James II.

President Roberts expressed deep appreciation for the support from the IAM leadership. “I’d especially like to thank General Vice President Johnsen, Chief of Staff Fraser and the Air Transport Territory staff from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “They are always there for anything we want to do as a Local.”

This gala is the latest in a series of initiatives by Local 914, which includes a breast cancer walk, a member appreciation event, and a local lodge scholarship program, further demonstrating its active and vital role in the Newark community.

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Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

12 December 2023 2023

NEWARK – Machinists Union Local 914, representing over 4,000 members at Newark Liberty International Airport, recently hosted its inaugural Black Tie Holiday Gala and Toy Drive. The event, held at the prestigious Newark Symphony Hall, was a testament to the Local’s commitment to the Newark, N.J. area, IAM leaders, and local dignitaries. Event organizers also collected hundreds of toys – just in time for the Holidays.

The gala was not just a social event but also a charitable one, with over 200 toys collected for local children. IAM Local 914 President Richie Roberts, who has been with the IAM for a decade, highlighted the local’s mission and future aspirations. “We are trying to make a difference in this Local Lodge,” Roberts said. “We are moving the Local forward and there’s a lot more that we have planned.”

Roberts extended his gratitude to Donyea Hoffman, Chair of the Local 914 Human Rights Committee, for her instrumental role in making the gala a reality. The event also served as a platform to honor retiring IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. with an appreciation award. This award recognized the significant contributions of Martinez and the IAM in protecting the jobs of thousands of IAM airline members during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through their advocacy for the airline Payroll Support Program. The Payroll Support Program was instrumental in preventing widespread President layoffs that would have crippled the commercial aviation sector during the pandemic.

Accepting the award on behalf of Martinez was IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, who was present along with other notable IAM figures such as Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff of the IAM Air Transport Territory, and IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Reagan. In his keynote address, Johnsen commended Local 914’s efforts, saying, “Local 914 is doing things the right way to represent and bring together our membership. Across the Air Transport Territory, we are seeing our members more engaged in their union and their communities.”

The gala also recognized the contributions of Martin Melody Law LLC and National Group Protection have made on behalf of Local 914 and its membership. The event was graced by several Newark area elected officials, including councilmembers Larry Crump and Patrick Council, a representative for Councilmember Michael Silva, and former councilmembers Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins and Oscar Sydney James II.

President Roberts expressed deep appreciation for the support from the IAM leadership. “I’d especially like to thank General Vice President Johnsen, Chief of Staff Fraser and the Air Transport Territory staff from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “They are always there for anything we want to do as a Local.”

This gala is the latest in a series of initiatives by Local 914, which includes a breast cancer walk, a member appreciation event, and a local lodge scholarship program, further demonstrating its active and vital role in the Newark community.

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Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

IAM141.org

Nathan Lopp

Vice President, Labor Relations

United | Corporate Support Center | 233 S. Wacker Drive WHQLR 25th Floor | Chicago, IL  60606

Dear Mr. Lopp,

Just over one year ago, the United Airlines Labor Coalition raised its concern over United’s codeshare agreement with Emirates Airlines, based partly on accounts of unfair labor practices and employee intimidation in the United Arab Emirates.  Today, we raise our concern over employee treatment much closer to home.

Labor relations at United Airlines have deteriorated to the point that lacking labor standards halfway around the world now seem suited to describe the current situation at our own airline.  At the forefront is a draconian and one-sided approach to employee investigations and discipline.  Human Resources is now involved in the smallest and simplest infractions, resulting in consequences orders of magnitude worse than the deed.  Most grievance cases are denied and sent up to the next level with little discretion given to local managers who best know their workforce and issues.

United Airlines filed a supplement to its application for a Haneda slot, which was surrendered by Delta Airlines.  In this long and detailed document, United outlines the reasons it should be awarded authority to fly to Haneda from Houston.  The Labor Coalition finds it instructive that nowhere in this exhaustive brief is mention of a single benefit to United’s labor force, should United be awarded this coveted slot.  In fact, the point is made that IAH-Haneda flights would not be additive, but rather a replacement for existing IAH-Narita service.

Recently, the leaders of United’s unionized employees were asked to submit letters to the Department of Transportation in support of United Airlines’ application for Houston-Haneda authorization.  Such collaboration stems from relationships centered on mutual respect and fair treatment.  Sadly, we believe the current labor/management relationship falls far short of this standard.  For the sake of the employees we represent, we sincerely hope for an improved climate, where cooperation and collaboration can exist and thrive.  Such a climate does not exist today, and as a result, the United Airlines Union Coalition agrees it is inappropriate to support United’s application for Houston-Haneda service.

Respectfully,

Ken Diaz

Mike Klemm

Garth Thompson

Craig Symons

Joe Ferreira

MEC President

President

Master Chair

President

Dir. Airline Div.

AFA-UAL

IAM-UAL

ALPA-UAL

PAFCA-UAL

IBT-UAL

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Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

17 November 2023

Nathan Lopp

Vice President, Labor Relations

United | Corporate Support Center | 233 S. Wacker Drive WHQLR 25th Floor | Chicago, IL  60606

Dear Mr. Lopp,

Just over one year ago, the United Airlines Labor Coalition raised its concern over United’s codeshare agreement with Emirates Airlines, based partly on accounts of unfair labor practices and employee intimidation in the United Arab Emirates.  Today, we raise our concern over employee treatment much closer to home.

Labor relations at United Airlines have deteriorated to the point that lacking labor standards halfway around the world now seem suited to describe the current situation at our own airline.  At the forefront is a draconian and one-sided approach to employee investigations and discipline.  Human Resources is now involved in the smallest and simplest infractions, resulting in consequences orders of magnitude worse than the deed.  Most grievance cases are denied and sent up to the next level with little discretion given to local managers who best know their workforce and issues.

United Airlines filed a supplement to its application for a Haneda slot, which was surrendered by Delta Airlines.  In this long and detailed document, United outlines the reasons it should be awarded authority to fly to Haneda from Houston.  The Labor Coalition finds it instructive that nowhere in this exhaustive brief is mention of a single benefit to United’s labor force, should United be awarded this coveted slot.  In fact, the point is made that IAH-Haneda flights would not be additive, but rather a replacement for existing IAH-Narita service.

Recently, the leaders of United’s unionized employees were asked to submit letters to the Department of Transportation in support of United Airlines’ application for Houston-Haneda authorization.  Such collaboration stems from relationships centered on mutual respect and fair treatment.  Sadly, we believe the current labor/management relationship falls far short of this standard.  For the sake of the employees we represent, we sincerely hope for an improved climate, where cooperation and collaboration can exist and thrive.  Such a climate does not exist today, and as a result, the United Airlines Union Coalition agrees it is inappropriate to support United’s application for Houston-Haneda service.

Respectfully,

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Mike Klemm

Garth Thompson

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Joe Ferreira

MEC President

President

Master Chair

President

Dir. Airline Div.

AFA-UAL

IAM-UAL

ALPA-UAL

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