Fellow Houston pilots,
We are pilots from different backgrounds, equipment and status representing both legacy airlines. We believe that the majority of Houston pilots share similar goals: to operate our airplanes safely, work in an employee-friendly workplace, be well compensated for our work, and enjoy a high quality of life.
Our next Captain Representative must work for ALL the pilots in Houston, representing each of them equally. This individual must possess a strong “moral compass,” and embody those qualities we hold in high regard of a professional airline pilot and Union representative. He also must clearly understand that our strength comes from a unified pilot group, not a house divided. We must choose an individual who can effectively and clearly communicate the issues we face to not only the membership and the MEC, but management as well. Ours is the second largest council in the system, and we require solid proven leadership and sustained superior performance from our representatives. These basic qualities are simply essential in order for us to move forward as a group and firmly defend our profession, our contract, and our careers.
We believe Captain Brad Hutchens is the candidate most qualified to fulfill the goals we list above. As the Chairman of Houston's Local Scheduling Committee he has grown the IAH LSC into the largest and most active in United ALPA. His work on the Grievance Review Panel positions him well to defend your contract and represent your interests in the Chief Pilot's Office. At our last council meeting Captain Hutchens was elected your interim Captain Representative, as such he is already representing our Captains at this week's MEC meeting. In addition, he also has a brother who began his career at legacy Continental Airlines, which affords him a unique perspective on the issues concerning both pilot groups.
With the above in mind, Brad Hutchens has our strongest possible recommendation and we ask you to join us in voting for him as our next Captain Representative for LEC 171.
Sincerely,
Steve Curry B737 Captain
Tom D'angelo A320 Captain
Sean Julian B787 First Officer
Sam Turner A320 Captain
Ken Posey B737 Captain
George Gonzales A320 Captain
Laura Cox B737 Captain
Cliff Schuyler B737 Captain
John Silcott A320 First Officer
Carlos Arana B756 Captain
Dan Langworthy B787 First Officer
Teek Dorsett B756 First Officer