Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Nov 17, 2023 | Featured, Front Page, Recent News, Row 2, United

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

IAM141.org
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,

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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Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

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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,

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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Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Nov 16, 2023 | American, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

IAM141.org
16 November 2023

PHOENIX – Cayla Farris, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu on February 13, 2022, has been ordered by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to pay $38,952 in restitution to the airline. Farris, who pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew member, exhibited unruly behavior that included using profanity and threatening the crew and other passengers. Her actions led to significant delays and disruptions, including the flight’s return to Phoenix and the rerouting of several other flights.

The investigation, conducted by the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department, highlighted the severity of the incident, which was part of a broader trend of increased unruly passenger incidents during the pandemic. In 2021, nearly 6,000 such incidents were reported, a stark increase from the approximately 1,100 incidents in 2019. Though these numbers have declined, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

As part of her sentence, Farris served 3.6 months in prison and is now under three years of supervised release. During this time, she is prohibited from traveling on commercial aircraft without prior authorization. This case underscores the government’s heightened efforts to combat air rage incidents and enforce federal laws requiring passengers to comply with crewmember instructions.

Experts note that cramped and stressful flight conditions often lead to disruptive behavior. This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such actions and the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly environment on commercial flights.

While Cayla Farris faced a substantial $40,000 fine for her disruptive behavior on an American Airlines flight, this isn’t the heftiest penalty the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued since the pandemic. An earlier incident in July 2021 resulted in an even larger fine. In that case, a woman on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was fined $81,950 for physically assaulting a flight attendant and attempting to open the cabin door.

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

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Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

16 November 2023

PHOENIX – Cayla Farris, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu on February 13, 2022, has been ordered by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to pay $38,952 in restitution to the airline. Farris, who pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew member, exhibited unruly behavior that included using profanity and threatening the crew and other passengers. Her actions led to significant delays and disruptions, including the flight’s return to Phoenix and the rerouting of several other flights.

The investigation, conducted by the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department, highlighted the severity of the incident, which was part of a broader trend of increased unruly passenger incidents during the pandemic. In 2021, nearly 6,000 such incidents were reported, a stark increase from the approximately 1,100 incidents in 2019. Though these numbers have declined, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

As part of her sentence, Farris served 3.6 months in prison and is now under three years of supervised release. During this time, she is prohibited from traveling on commercial aircraft without prior authorization. This case underscores the government’s heightened efforts to combat air rage incidents and enforce federal laws requiring passengers to comply with crewmember instructions.

Experts note that cramped and stressful flight conditions often lead to disruptive behavior. This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such actions and the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly environment on commercial flights.

While Cayla Farris faced a substantial $40,000 fine for her disruptive behavior on an American Airlines flight, this isn’t the heftiest penalty the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued since the pandemic. An earlier incident in July 2021 resulted in an even larger fine. In that case, a woman on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was fined $81,950 for physically assaulting a flight attendant and attempting to open the cabin door.

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Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Oct 12, 2023 | Front Page, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

IAM141.org
October 12, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of Grievance Committee Members from the Machinists Union gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the future of work in the airline industry.

A major focus of the deliberations was the upcoming contract negotiations at American and United Airlines, both of which are likely to fall under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, often referred to simply as “Section 6.”

Last year, Union Negotiators were optimistic that Section 6 could be avoided at United Airlines in favor of an expedited process that would have delivered an agreement to union members much faster. The carrier had initially agreed to keep the negotiations focused on a few contractual provisions deemed critical to front-line union members. Unfortunately, the company began using endless stalling tactics that threatened to drag negotiations out indefinitely, making the expedited process impossible.

Section 6 outlines the procedure for amending and renegotiating existing collective bargaining agreements in the airline and railroad sectors. Typically, Section 6 negotiations can take several years to complete.

The Railway Labor Act was initially established to prevent disruptions in interstate commerce due to strikes and other job actions that could create economic havoc. The Act mandates that both parties, in this case, the union and the airlines, engage in extended discussions once changes to the prevailing agreement are proposed. These changes can encompass rates of pay, rules, or working conditions. A critical aspect of Section 6 is its emphasis on maintaining the status quo during negotiations, preventing companies from unilaterally imposing pay cuts, mass layoffs, or other policy changes.

The conference, held within the historic Penns Landing area of Philadelphia, zeroed in on the upcoming Section 6 contract negotiations at industry giants United Airlines and American Airlines. These negotiations are set to redefine standards for pay, working conditions, and work-life balance for thousands, impacting both union and non-union workers, but are showing signs they may be lengthy.

Tom Regan, Airline Coordinator for the Machinists Union Air Transport Territory, and Mike Klemm, President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141, were among the luminaries who addressed the attendees.

The event was hosted by Larry Reeves from Local Lodge 1776 in Philadelphia.

Machinists Union District 141 includes 40,000 airline workers at American, Hawaiian, Philippine, Spirit, and United Airlines. The union’s reach in commercial aviation means that decisions made by union members will shape the rest of the industry.

The pandemic’s aftermath saw a strategic move by airlines to encourage senior agents towards early retirement. This strategy has led to a scenario where nearly half of all airline workers are relatively new to the industry. Many of these workers, coming from non-union professional backgrounds, are still acclimatizing to the nuances of the collective bargaining process and union dynamics. President Klemm’s call to action emphasized the need for seasoned committee members to mentor and engage these newcomers.
The conference also highlighted the altered dynamics between airlines and union grievance committees in the wake of the pandemic. With many workers being novices in the industry, there exists a gap between their union action expectations and the realistic outcomes. Addressing this gap is pivotal, according to District President Klemm.

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Apr 1, 2024

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

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Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

October 12, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of Grievance Committee Members from the Machinists Union gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the future of work in the airline industry.

A major focus of the deliberations was the upcoming contract negotiations at American and United Airlines, both of which are likely to fall under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, often referred to simply as “Section 6.”

Last year, Union Negotiators were optimistic that Section 6 could be avoided at United Airlines in favor of an expedited process that would have delivered an agreement to union members much faster. The carrier had initially agreed to keep the negotiations focused on a few contractual provisions deemed critical to front-line union members. Unfortunately, the company began using endless stalling tactics that threatened to drag negotiations out indefinitely, making the expedited process impossible.

Section 6 outlines the procedure for amending and renegotiating existing collective bargaining agreements in the airline and railroad sectors. Typically, Section 6 negotiations can take several years to complete.

The Railway Labor Act was initially established to prevent disruptions in interstate commerce due to strikes and other job actions that could create economic havoc. The Act mandates that both parties, in this case, the union and the airlines, engage in extended discussions once changes to the prevailing agreement are proposed. These changes can encompass rates of pay, rules, or working conditions. A critical aspect of Section 6 is its emphasis on maintaining the status quo during negotiations, preventing companies from unilaterally imposing pay cuts, mass layoffs, or other policy changes.

The conference, held within the historic Penns Landing area of Philadelphia, zeroed in on the upcoming Section 6 contract negotiations at industry giants United Airlines and American Airlines. These negotiations are set to redefine standards for pay, working conditions, and work-life balance for thousands, impacting both union and non-union workers, but are showing signs they may be lengthy.

Tom Regan, Airline Coordinator for the Machinists Union Air Transport Territory, and Mike Klemm, President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141, were among the luminaries who addressed the attendees.

The event was hosted by Larry Reeves from Local Lodge 1776 in Philadelphia.

Machinists Union District 141 includes 40,000 airline workers at American, Hawaiian, Philippine, Spirit, and United Airlines. The union’s reach in commercial aviation means that decisions made by union members will shape the rest of the industry.

The pandemic’s aftermath saw a strategic move by airlines to encourage senior agents towards early retirement. This strategy has led to a scenario where nearly half of all airline workers are relatively new to the industry. Many of these workers, coming from non-union professional backgrounds, are still acclimatizing to the nuances of the collective bargaining process and union dynamics. President Klemm’s call to action emphasized the need for seasoned committee members to mentor and engage these newcomers.
The conference also highlighted the altered dynamics between airlines and union grievance committees in the wake of the pandemic. With many workers being novices in the industry, there exists a gap between their union action expectations and the realistic outcomes. Addressing this gap is pivotal, according to District President Klemm.

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Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Oct 4, 2023 | Community Service, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

IAM141.org
October 4, 2023

Chicago, October 4th, 2023 – Machinists Union Local Lodge 1487 hosted a poignant Domestic Abuse Awareness Day event today, drawing a full house with standing room only. The event aimed to shed light on the various forms of abuse, some of which often go unnoticed, and to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories.

April Walker, President of the Local 1487 Women’s Committee, led the effort to organize the event, along with her fellowess Committee members Kimberly Smith, Larainen Brooks-Tyler, Deena Pena, and Nikia Peoples. As a union leader and staunch supporter of women’s issues, Walker emphasized the importance of solidarity among women. “Programs like this are important because they give women a chance to share our stories, to stand together in strength, and to let each other know that we are not alone,” she remarked.

The event was graced by the presence of Grammy-Award Nominated Gospel vocalist Kim Stratton. She delivered a heart-wrenching performance of her gospel hit, “More Than Enough,” after sharing a deeply moving personal story of her own experiences with abuse. Trapped in a toxic marriage, Statton recounted the challenges she faced, from a husband who tried to turn her children against her to his jealousy of her success. Today, she has transformed her “misery into ministry,” inspiring countless others with her resilience.

Sheerese Croft delivered a deeply moving account, shedding light on the pain she endured and her journey to healing and empowerment. “I’ve lived with this my whole life, but I’ve never spoke on it,” she began, capturing the attention of every attendee. The physical and emotional scars of her past were evident, but so was her resilience.

 Sheerese highlighted the facade many victims wear: “Everything might look good on the outside, but you have no idea what’s going on on the inside. I’ve put up a good front for years.” “I covered the scar on my back with a tattoo,” she shared, symbolizing her early efforts to hide her experiences.

Her decision to share her story at the event was a significant step in her healing journey. “Today, I’m here, sharing my truth,” she declared with determination. “I’m tired of hiding, tired of pretending. Today, I’m not scared anymore.”

The audience responded with strong support, reflecting the profound impact of her words and the shared experiences of many in the room.

Shelly Marsh, a Director of the award-winning WINGS Program, provided insights into the various forms of abuse, many of which remain hidden. These can include financial, cyber, and spiritual abuse. The WINGS Program aims to provide emergency housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. The program’s emergency shelters house those fleeing violent situations, offering refuge and critical services.

The event also saw the attendance of IAMAW District 141 Assistant General Chair Andrea’ Myers, who flew in from Detroit to show her support, further highlighting the event’s significance and the community’s solidarity.

Also in attendance was Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick, who has been helping lead efforts to reduce cases of air rage, which disproportionately harm female gate agents and flight attendants. “People who think they can physically and verbally abuse our gate agents are the same people who think they can abuse their partners at home,” he said. “If we can help stop abuse behind closed doors, we will go a long way towards preventing abuse in public.”

Addressing the persistent challenge of domestic abuse, events such as this are pivotal in heightening awareness, providing vital support, and building a resilient community united against violence.

To learn how you can support the WINGS program and its mission to end domestic violence, visit their website at WINGSprogram.com. 

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

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Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

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

Sign up for Email Alerts

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

October 4, 2023

Chicago, October 4th, 2023 – Machinists Union Local Lodge 1487 hosted a poignant Domestic Abuse Awareness Day event today, drawing a full house with standing room only. The event aimed to shed light on the various forms of abuse, some of which often go unnoticed, and to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories.

April Walker, President of the Local 1487 Women’s Committee, led the effort to organize the event, along with her fellowess Committee members Kimberly Smith, Larainen Brooks-Tyler, Deena Pena, and Nikia Peoples. As a union leader and staunch supporter of women’s issues, Walker emphasized the importance of solidarity among women. “Programs like this are important because they give women a chance to share our stories, to stand together in strength, and to let each other know that we are not alone,” she remarked.

The event was graced by the presence of Grammy-Award Nominated Gospel vocalist Kim Stratton. She delivered a heart-wrenching performance of her gospel hit, “More Than Enough,” after sharing a deeply moving personal story of her own experiences with abuse. Trapped in a toxic marriage, Statton recounted the challenges she faced, from a husband who tried to turn her children against her to his jealousy of her success. Today, she has transformed her “misery into ministry,” inspiring countless others with her resilience.

Sheerese Croft delivered a deeply moving account, shedding light on the pain she endured and her journey to healing and empowerment. “I’ve lived with this my whole life, but I’ve never spoke on it,” she began, capturing the attention of every attendee. The physical and emotional scars of her past were evident, but so was her resilience.

 Sheerest highlighted the facade many victims wear: “Everything might look good on the outside, but you have no idea what’s going on on the inside. I’ve put up a good front for years.” “I covered the scar on my back with a tattoo,” she shared, symbolizing her early efforts to hide her experiences.

Her decision to share her story at the event was a significant step in her healing journey. “Today, I’m here, sharing my truth,” she declared with determination. “I’m tired of hiding, tired of pretending. Today, I’m not scared anymore.”

The audience responded with strong support, reflecting the profound impact of her words and the shared experiences of many in the room.

Shelly Marsh, a Director of the award-winning WINGS Program, provided insights into the various forms of abuse, many of which remain hidden. These can include financial, cyber, and spiritual abuse. The WINGS Program aims to provide emergency housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. The program’s emergency shelters house those fleeing violent situations, offering refuge and critical services.

The event also saw the attendance of IAMAW District 141 Assistant General Chair Andrea’ Myers, who flew in from Detroit to show her support, further highlighting the event’s significance and the community’s solidarity.

Also in attendance was Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick, who has been helping lead efforts to reduce cases of air rage, which disproportionately harm female gate agents and flight attendants. “People who think they can physically and verbally abuse our gate agents are the same people who think they can abuse their partners at home,” he said. “If we can help stop abuse behind closed doors, we will go a long way towards preventing abuse in public.”

Addressing the persistent challenge of domestic abuse, events such as this are pivotal in heightening awareness, providing vital support, and building a resilient community united against violence.

To learn how you can support the WINGS program and its mission to end domestic violence, visit their website at WINGSprogram.com. 

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United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

Oct 2, 2023 | Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized, United

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

IAM141.org
September 29, 2023

CHICAGO — United Airlines’ pilots have approved a new four-year agreement valued at over $10 billion, as stated by their union.

Previously, the union mentioned that this agreement would lead to a pay increase of up to 40% throughout the four years.

On Friday, the Air Line Pilots Association disclosed that 82% of participating pilots voted in favor of the new terms.

Garth Thompson, the head of the union’s United faction, described it as a pioneering contract that “delivers considerable advantages to our pilots.”

United follows Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in securing new pilot contracts, mitigating tensions with a crucial labor faction, and ensuring the airline can attract critical staff in a tight labor market. Pilots at Southwest Airlines, represented by a different union, and flight attendants at various airlines are still in the negotiation phase.

The union representing the pilots stated that the contract with United encompasses unprecedented raises and enhancements in employment terms, sick leave, holiday duration, and retirement perks. United employs approximately 16,000 pilots.

This contract is set to be in effect until September 30, 2027.

 

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To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

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

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United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

September 29, 2023

CHICAGO — United Airlines’ pilots have approved a new four-year agreement valued at over $10 billion, as stated by their union.

Previously, the union mentioned that this agreement would lead to a pay increase of up to 40% throughout the four years.

On Friday, the Air Line Pilots Association disclosed that 82% of participating pilots voted in favor of the new terms.

Garth Thompson, the head of the union’s United faction, described it as a pioneering contract that “delivers considerable advantages to our pilots.”

United follows Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in securing new pilot contracts, mitigating tensions with a crucial labor faction, and ensuring the airline can attract critical staff in a tight labor market. Pilots at Southwest Airlines, represented by a different union, and flight attendants at various airlines are still in the negotiation phase.

The union representing the pilots stated that the contract with United encompasses unprecedented raises and enhancements in employment terms, sick leave, holiday duration, and retirement perks. United employs approximately 16,000 pilots.

This contract is set to be in effect until September 30, 2027.

 

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

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Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Paradise Pups: Golfing for Guide Dogs in Hawaii

Paradise Pups: Golfing for Guide Dogs in Hawaii

Sep 26, 2023 | Community Service Page, Front Page, Other News, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2

Pups in Paradise: Golfing for Guide Dogs in Hawaii

Pups in Paradise: Golfing for Guide Dogs in Hawaii

IAM141.org
September 26, 2023

+ To support the important work that Guide Dogs is doing, please CLICK HERE

The serene and picturesque Pearl Country Club in Aiea, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, played host to the 1st annual Pups in Paradise Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 26. Nestled near the historic Pearl Harbor and the vibrant area of Waikiki, the club is renowned for its stunning views and pristine golf course, making it a sought-after venue for a myriad of events, golf tournaments among them.

The Pups in Paradise Charity Golf Tournament aims to raise funds and awareness for Guide Dogs of America, an organization committed to providing service dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism. The event seeks to support the organization’s mission to foster meaningful and transformative relationships between service dogs and their recipients, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The funds raised during this event will contribute to the continuation of the organization’s services, which are offered at no cost to the recipients, and help transform lives through partnerships with service dogs.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors and donors who made this event possible,” said Local 1979 President Derek Morton, who hosted the event. “Without their generous contributions, we would not have been able to achieve such a resounding success. I am truly proud of the hard work and dedication that our local put into making this event happen. Together, we have shown what can be accomplished when we work towards a common goal.”

Event organizers said the outing attracted over a hundred golfers who donated $125 each in support of Guide Dogs of America. The players were joined by local businesses and pro-labor groups who sponsored holes throughout the course, adding several thousand dollars in additional donations and other donations. The sponsors included Hawaiian Airlines, who donated $3,500, and United Airlines, who contributed an impressive array of swag items for the golfers. Even more money was raised through raffles and contests, which included a package to the prestigious Hualalai Golf Course on the Island of O’ahu, valued at $1,800.

The effort is estimated to have raised an estimated $10,000 for the charity.

“This is the first year that we’ve done this,” said Stacey Williams, who helped organize the event. “So, we had to build everything from the ground up,” she said. “We didn’t have anything from previous years that we could use to make sure this would be a success,” she added. “This has been a learning experience for all of us, but now we have a foundation that we can build on for next year.”

Stacey Williams is a District Vice President for the Machinists Union.

Vice President of Operations for Hawaiian Airlines, Lokesh Amaranayaka, praised the event, saying that the fundraiser was an opportunity for the airline to deepen its connections with the community. “We are a fundamental part of Hawaii,” he noted. “When we see this level of community outreach, we need to be there.”

Among the dignitaries attending the event was the President of Guide Dogs of America, Russel Gittlen.

“I really want to thank Local 1979 for starting this program,” he said of the event. “It takes a lot of work, and we really appreciate everyone who helped put this together.”

“And, the help is needed,” he explained. “The total costs of breeding, training, and providng each dog is close to $70,000,” he said. “And that includes ongoing support; we don’t just give the dogs to those in need. We also help people learn to work with their service animal, so they can get the most of their new relationship.”

Guide Dogs of America breeds, trains, and delivers service dogs to a range of recipients. In addition to visually impaired persons, the organization also offers assistive dogs to veterans facing challenges related to PTSD, nursing homes, and children with autism. The services are provided at no charge to beneficiaries.

Machinists Union General Vice President Richard Johnsen praised Local 1979 for their commitment to the community and union members. “This is an astounding effort,” he said of the outing. “This local deserves to be recognized for the work they’ve done here and for their unyielding efforts to look out for the membership,” he said.

Johnsen led a delegation to Maui earlier in the week, delivering Disaster Relief checks to union members still dealing with the lingering effects of the wildfires that devastated so much of the island. “I’m incredibly proud of the work this local has done to assist union members on Maui,” he said. “It’s all part of the commitment this local has repeatedly demonstrated to solidarity and service.”

“Let’s keep lifting each other up,” he continued. 

In addition to Hawaiian Airlines and United, the outing attracted several sponsors, including National Group Protection, Pepsi, Berkshire Hathaway, 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, Heineken, Modelo, Corona, the Four Seasons Resort, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Miller Lite. Generous support was also provided by the Air Transport Territory and District 141 of the Machinists Union.

The outing drew support from all corners of the Machinists Union.
In attendance:

Richard Johnsen, IAMAW General Vice President, Airline Territory
Edison Fraser, IAMAW Airline Territory Chief of Staff
Tom Regan, IAMAW Airline Coordinator
John Coveny, President and Directing Chair, IAMAW District 142
Joe Shultz, Secretary-Treasurer, IAMAW District 142
Arthur Croker, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Stacey Williams, Vice President, Hawaii, IAMAW District 141
Shannon Robello, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Troy Rivera, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Olu Ajetomobi, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Rich Robinson, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Kyle Carroll, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Cristina Odoardi, IAMAW District 141 Community Service Director

 

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Pups in Paradise: Golfing for Guide Dogs in Hawaii

September 26, 2023

+ To support the important work that Guide Dogs is doing, please CLICK HERE

The serene and picturesque Pearl Country Club in Aiea, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, played host to the 1st annual Pups in Paradise Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 26. Nestled near the historic Pearl Harbor and the vibrant area of Waikiki, the club is renowned for its stunning views and pristine golf course, making it a sought-after venue for a myriad of events, golf tournaments among them.

The Pups in Paradise Charity Golf Tournament aims to raise funds and awareness for Guide Dogs of America, an organization committed to providing service dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism. The event seeks to support the organization’s mission to foster meaningful and transformative relationships between service dogs and their recipients, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The funds raised during this event will contribute to the continuation of the organization’s services, which are offered at no cost to the recipients, and help transform lives through partnerships with service dogs.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors and donors who made this event possible,” said Local 1979 President Derek Morton, who hosted the event. “Without their generous contributions, we would not have been able to achieve such a resounding success. I am truly proud of the hard work and dedication that our local put into making this event happen. Together, we have shown what can be accomplished when we work towards a common goal.”

Event organizers said the outing attracted over a hundred golfers who donated $125 each in support of Guide Dogs of America. The players were joined by local businesses and pro-labor groups who sponsored holes throughout the course, adding several thousand dollars in additional donations and other donations. The sponsors included Hawaiian Airlines, who donated $3,500, and United Airlines, who contributed an impressive array of swag items for the golfers. Even more money was raised through raffles and contests, which included a package to the prestigious Hualalai Golf Course on the Island of O’ahu, valued at $1,800.

The effort is estimated to have raised an estimated $10,000 for the charity.

“This is the first year that we’ve done this,” said Stacey Williams, who helped organize the event. “So, we had to build everything from the ground up,” she said. “We didn’t have anything from previous years that we could use to make sure this would be a success,” she added. “This has been a learning experience for all of us, but now we have a foundation that we can build on for next year.”

Stacey Williams is a District Vice President for the Machinists Union.

Vice President of Operations for Hawaiian Airlines, Lokesh Amaranayaka, praised the event, saying that the fundraiser was an opportunity for the airline to deepen its connections with the community. “We are a fundamental part of Hawaii,” he noted. “When we see this level of community outreach, we need to be there.”

Among the dignitaries attending the event was the President of Guide Dogs of America, Russel Gittlen.

“I really want to thank Local 1979 for starting this program,” he said of the event. “It takes a lot of work, and we really appreciate everyone who helped put this together.”

“And, the help is needed,” he explained. “The total costs of breeding, training, and providng each dog is close to $70,000,” he said. “And that includes ongoing support; we don’t just give the dogs to those in need. We also help people learn to work with their service animal, so they can get the most of their new relationship.”

Guide Dogs of America breeds, trains, and delivers service dogs to a range of recipients. In addition to visually impaired persons, the organization also offers assistive dogs to veterans facing challenges related to PTSD, nursing homes, and children with autism. The services are provided at no charge to beneficiaries.

Machinists Union General Vice President Richard Johnsen praised Local 1979 for their commitment to the community and union members. “This is an astounding effort,” he said of the outing. “This local deserves to be recognized for the work they’ve done here and for their unyielding efforts to look out for the membership,” he said.

Johnsen led a delegation to Maui earlier in the week, delivering Disaster Relief checks to union members still dealing with the lingering effects of the wildfires that devastated so much of the island. “I’m incredibly proud of the work this local has done to assist union members on Maui,” he said. “It’s all part of the commitment this local has repeatedly demonstrated to solidarity and service.”

In addition to Hawaiian Airlines and United, the outing attracted several sponsors, including National Group Protection, Pepsi, Berkshire Hathaway, 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, Heineken, Modelo, Corona, the Four Seasons Resort, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Miller Lite. Generous support was also provided by the Air Transport Territory and District 141 of the Machinists Union.

The outing drew support from all corners of the Machinists Union.
In attendance:

Richard Johnsen, IAMAW General Vice President, Airline Territory
Edison Fraser, IAMAW Airline Territory Chief of Staff
Tom Regan, IAMAW Airline Coordinator
John Coveny, President and Directing Chair, IAMAW District 142
Joe Shultz, Secretary-Treasurer, IAMAW District 142
Stacey Williams, Vice President, Hawaii, IAMAW District 141
Shannon Robello, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Troy Rivera, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Olu Ajetomobi, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Rich Robinson, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Kyle Carroll, Assistant General Chair, IAMAW District 141
Cristina Odoardi, IAMAW District 141 Community Service Director

 

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