District 141 EAP Expands American Airlines Services With Two New Appointments
Employee Assistance Program
11 August 2022
District 141 of the Machinists Union is expanding its Employee Assistance Program with two new regional appointments. Effective August 1, Kendall Tuckett and Maria Davis have accepted positions as Regional EAP Coordinators for Union Members at American Airlines.
“These are two of the most talented and experienced advocates in our system,” said American-side EAP Chairman Chris Davis. “They both have long standing reputations as patient listeners and have provided a strong voice for those around them who might need someone in their corner,” he said. “Nobody is perfect all the time,” he continued, “and sometimes things aren’t ok. Kendall and Maria have proven to me that they can be there when it counts.”
“The EAP isn’t just there to help people deal with drug and alcohol issues,” he explained, pointing out that the EAP is set up to help connect union members to a wide range of professional services. The experience Kendall Tuckett and Maria Davis have developed over the years in dealing with the full range of challenges members may face helped guide his decision to recommend them for regional coordinators for the East and West Coast Employee Assistance Program. “We’re here to try and change lives,” he said.
Maria Davis is no stranger to advocacy work. Before being named East Coast Regional EAP Coordinator, she served as EAP Representative at American Airlines for her home Local, Liberty Lodge 1776 in Philadelphia. There, she honed her skills as a kind and patient advocate, helping her fellow union members as they dealt with mental health issues, substance dependency, and other personal crises that affected their ability to earn a living for their families.
Her commitment to service has driven her from the start, leading her to become a Union Steward in her first year as a ramp worker at US Airways (later American Airlines), a position she took up in 2005.
Machinists Union Local 1725 Swings into Action for Guide Dogs of America
Machinists Union Local 1725 hosted a Golf Outing Charity Fundraiser at the Harry Jones Golf Course in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, May 17. The event was buzzing with activity as golfers came together in support of Guide Dogs of America.Machinists Union Local 1725...
April Helping Hands: Alcohol Awareness Month
EAP Peers: April is acohol awareness month. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is a great resource for information about substance use disorders. I encourage all of you to take a look at their web site: niaaa.nih.gov. Most of the information is free and...
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional Coordinator
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional CoordinatorIAM141.org March 15, 2023IAMAW District President Mike Klemm and EAP Director Bryan Hutchinson have appointed Kris N Treder to serve as the new District 141 Midwest Regional Coordinator. Kris will...
Helping Hands March: Finding Help
Peer EAP volunteers: This month Helping Hands features the "find treatment.gov" part of the SAMSHA.gov (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency) web pages. There are a lot of hyperlinks in the electronic version of Helping Hands. I encourage you to...
By 2007, she had begun working as an educator, able to patiently guide coworkers through FAA-mandated online trainings. That same year, she expanded her work to include safety activism. By 2017, she had been elected to the position of Recording Secretary and served on the Grievance Committee of Liberty Lodge.
“There is no greater feeling than knowing that you can be relied on and make a difference in someone else’s life,” Davis said. “Not everyone knows what or which direction to turn, and that’s ok. All of us can need a little help, and I’m honored to be trusted with this responsibility.”
Kendall Tuckett has used her skills as a “people person” to offer friendly, supportive assistance to those who come to her for help, dating back to the late nineties when she worked at Southwest Airlines. In 2005, she carried these skills to America West Airlines (later American Airlines) when she was hired as a fleet service worker.
Naturally fearless, Tuckett did not hesitate to step up when she determined there was a need for more EAP assets at her Local Lodge. Well known as an energetic and professional Local, Sky Harbor Lodge 2559 in Phoenix, Arizona, immediately found a way for her to get involved; by becoming an EAP Representative herself. “When I first heard about the EAP program, we did not have an active Volunteer,” Tuckett said. “I decided to get involved and help the members.”
She began helping connect members of Sky Harbor Lodge with referrals, explaining how to obtain treatment options, and quickly built a reputation as a compassionate listener and a reliable advocate. “A lot of people just needed someone to hear them,” she said. “I enjoy being helpful,” she said, “and cheering people on as they return to work and recovery.”
Davis and Tuckett were recommended for the Regional positions by American-side EAP Chairman Chris Davis. The Programs District Director, Bryan Hutchinson, forwarded the recommendation to District 141 President Mike Klemm, who made the appointments official as of August 1.
“These new Regional Coordinators have been a powerful voice for those in need for years,” Klemm said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to appoint them to these positions, where I know they will add incredible value to Bryan’s team of EAP Representatives.”
Related News
Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill
Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization BillWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, announced sweeping new regulations on Wednesday, requiring airlines to offer automatic cash refunds for...
The Dawn of the Machinists Union
The Dawn of the Machinists UnionIn the smoky workshops of late 19th century America, a revolution was brewing. The Industrial Age, with its booming factories and powerful railroads, had brought both progress and hardship.The Dawn of the Machinists UnionIAM141.org 14...
Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever
Reality Check: The Fallacy of "Just Save More" and Why Union Protections Matter More Than EverLast month, T. Rowe Price issued recommendations on retirement savings that, while perhaps well-intentioned, come across as not only unrealistic but downright insulting to...