Video Report: A Conversation with Education Director, Mac McGovern.

Today’s guest is IAMAW District 141 Education Director, Mac McGovern. A staunch union supporter, Mac’s journey began years ago, after graduating from High School in 1978. While pursuing a career as a hard rock singer, Mac worked various jobs to cover the bills. One of these was on Wall Street, where Mac was first introduced to United Airlines.

After moving from Hollywood, California, Mac began working at UPS, eventually studying computer programing at the Job Institute. He began working at United Airlines part-time in 1992, and when he was offered a full-time position at both United and UPS, he chose to go with United Airlines.

Mac became involved with the Employee Assistance Program in 1998, later becoming a shop steward. He was elected President of Local Lodge 914 in late 2000. He attended his first class at the Winpisinger Center, which had a class for all Local Lodge Presidents.

Mac drove to the center with fellow Local Lodge President from 1322, Richie Chu, who had become a union mentor to him.

Brother Chu was a District 141 Educator, and took Mac with him to a Steward Class that he was doing in Albany, NY., when someone cancelled on him at the last minute. It was there that Mac learned that he not only wanted to help members of his local, but that he also had a passion for education and teaching.

In 2004, Brother Rudy Asuncion asked Mac to become his Regional EAP Coordinator, which was a newly-created position. This made Mac a Local Lodge 914 President, an EAP Northeast Regional Coordinator, a District Educator, and soon after would become part of the EWR Grievance Committee.

In 2009, he got a call from then-District 141 President, Rich Delaney asking him if he would join the United Airlines contract negotiations team.

After Asuncion retired and left United Airlines, President Delaney appointed Mac United Airlines Chair of District EAP. Mac remained in that role until current IAMAW District 141 President Mike Klemm asked Mac to become the Director of Education.

IAMAW District 141 Director of Education, Mike “Mac” McGovern.

Need More Information?

To find out about scheduling training at your location, Contact Mike “Mac” McGovern, Director of Education. Your Local Lodge will coordinate with Mac and your AGC or Committee Person, to determine who will attend specific training in your area.

Visit IAMAW District 141 Education Department