December 22, 2022
Message from United MEC Acting Chair Captain M H

Good afternoon,

Last night, the UAL MEC Master Chair resigned his position. Therefore, pursuant to the ALPA Constitution and By-Laws, I immediately became your acting Master Chair. I tend to have a "this point forward" view. We cannot change the past, nor do we want to repeat mistakes. We must be laser focused on the future. I see three career- changing things in our future: (1) Contract First, United Next, (2) Focus on the Future, and (3) Moving Forward.

Contract First, United Next

It really cannot be stated any simpler: we must have the industry-leading contract that our Pilots deserve. Recent events have impacted the market for our next contract. To achieve this goal, we will prioritize the following:

• Focus on Negotiations. I have directed the chair of the Negotiating Committee to prepare a strategic plan to present at the upcoming January 9 MEC meeting.
• Continued Pilot Engagement. We must understand where our pilots stand today especially in light of the new Delta benchmark. We will then get you the contract that you deserve.
• Informational Picketing to Spread our Message. Please join us on January 18 in SFO and January 25 at LAX for informational activities on behalf of our Pilot group. These demonstrate our commitment to negotiations moving forward.

Focus on the Future

We must serve the Pilots' urgent need of securing a contract. We cannot stand still or slip backwards; we must go forward now together. If we are divided, it is the Company that wins. Let's get back to working together with respect for each other as we fight to get this contract. A benchmark has been set. Let's work on achieving these goals together.

Moving Forward

Since yesterday evening, I am the acting Master Chair. I will keep us on a path moving forward. One area I would like to emphasize is our commitment to support diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion and our unequivocal support of an inclusive culture. I am a current 777 captain based in EWR, and I have been at United for the last 32 years. My past ALPA service includes Council 11 Captain Rep, Crew Rest Oversight Committee Chair, Pilot Compensation Committee Chair, UAL MEC Treasurer, and UAL MEC Vice Chair. I wish you and your families a happy holiday season. We will be ready for the new year and a renewed focus on our negotiations. See you on the Line.

M H