Dear Sisters and Brothers,
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that one of our own, Carlos Consuegra, a Ramp Services Agent at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, passed away from complications related to COVID-19.
Our Brother Carlos was a 12-year veteran at United Airlines who loved his job because it allowed him to travel, something he enjoyed. His daughter Kay described him as a devoted father and a huge sports fan who loved playing and coaching baseball and softball. He also enjoyed singing and karaoke and often took his parents on trips to visit family and close friends. Members of Local 914 remember him as a generous co-worker always willing to share his knowledge with younger members of his team.
Our union family joins his two children, three grandchildren, eight siblings, his parents and his partner in their sorrow. We are doing our best to comfort the family under these difficult circumstances.
Carlos’s passing is a blow to all of us who are facing this unprecedented challenge to our industry and our nation from the front lines. We are in mourning, but this sadness will only strengthen our fight for better protections at work, wider availability of testing and a stronger call to everyone in our communities to do their part to stop the spread of this deadly virus. We must all work harder so we do not have to experience more tragedies like this.
Rest in Peace, Brother Carlos.
In Solidarity,
Mike Klemm
President and Directing General Chair
District 141, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers