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

Wow,

How forward thinking. A UAL guy elected in a mostly CAL base. What would be even more amazing is a CAL guy elected in oh lets say LAX or perhaps SFO. Amazingly that will never happen and have been told by more than one former UAL guy that they would NEVER vote that way.

Hypocrisy at its finest.

Seriously? Are you one of the lawsuits guys? Because everyone else has moved on! Who cares who was hired by which legacy???? Hello 2016 called and they wish to welcome you to United Continental Holdings! I want the best, unbiased person as my rep! And since you brought it up, the late CA Bohls was LUAL and our 171 CA rep as well. Brad's brother is LCAL so he's got a pretty good idea where both sides come from. Just an FYI

Just curious if in any of Chuck Cummings campaign info did he disclose he was a CAL MEC Vice Chairman under Jay Pierce? Had the job for about six months and rumor has it he barely ever showed up at the MEC office. Then just resigned for personal reasons.

The reason I ask in the campaign literature I saw, Chuck never disclosed he was a CAL MEC Officer but he did list all other union positions he held. Wonder why he wouldn't disclose the fact he was a former CAL MEC Vice Chairman? Just curious if he mentioned in other campaign literature or somehow I missed it?

Did you read the post? Obviously many do care what legacy. Again, do you think an LCAL guy would have shot in hell at all in SFO or LAX?

Fellow Houston Pilots:

My name is Chuck Cummins and I am humbly asking for your vote for Captain Representative of our Local Council. I have represented Houston pilots for more than ten years, very successfully, and am anxious to get back to work. My wife Elvia fully supports my efforts and understand the time commitment this position requires.

I was hired in 1990 as a Second Officer and am now a B737 Captain who has lived and worked in the Houston base for over 20 years. My tenure with ALPA is lengthy. My knowledge and experience of the issues affecting the Houston Council are extensive. I have served as an MEC Vice Chairman, Training Committee Chairman, and Safety/Go Team member.

My record of pilot representation, my ability to work with management officials, the FAA, and NTSB; and, my effectiveness especially when things go seriously wrong for you (or your career) is a proven fact. My ability to lead is proven, and my style is known. More importantly, I bring a knowledge of this base and its many members, some whom I have known my entire career at CAL, now UAL. I believe this will make me a more effective LC Representative, one ready “to hit the ground running” on day one.

Time and time again, I have heard your concerns regarding the 5% tranche (holdback). I share your concerns regarding the RHA survivor benefits. Our LTD monies MUST be refunded! Please know that I understand these and the many other issues facing our MEC. I share your frustrations, and I ASSURE you that I will be YOUR advocate at the MEC.

Serving one’s fellow pilots is a noble calling. ALPA volunteers take this challenge seriously. I view representation as a solemn promise to you. You have my word that I will work as hard as I can for you. The most fundamental tenet of ALPA is “unity.” We have come a long way to becoming a “united” pilot group. We must keep the momentum moving in the right direction. As such, I assure you that no other pilot is better able to bring unity to the Houston base.

Let me take a moment to address the First Officers in Houston. Some may think that since this election is for Captain Representative, you should not care or vote. Wrong! Your vote counts, too. The Captain Representative can and does represent you. The three representatives form the Local Executive Council and can have a great influence on your futures.

Fellow Houston Pilots, the time is upon us to choose the leadership that will help set the direction of this council, through your input and guidance. Your leader must commit to timely and accurate communications to form a foundation of trust. We implore you to research the candidates and choose wisely. I am available any time to speak about my positions, but more importantly, to listen to your concerns. Please call me at 281-543-3995 or email at [email protected]


Thank you for your attention and considerations. Please vote for Chuck Cummins for Captain Representative LC 171.

Sincerely,

Chuck

Birddog,

I stand corrected, thanks for posting.

Honestly, Yes. Big shocker but there were a TON of LCAL guys who are on the 787 and they're both so junior that they have a lot of new people from both sides as well as a ton of post merge. Again, I fly with all 3 types and rarely does legacy even come up (except for the double furloughees when I ask how long they've been here). ORD may be the last holdout. And that is more from the fact that they have a great group of unionist already on the LEC. I don't give a rats ass who hired you, or when you were hired. We're all on the same list doing the same job. Want to pull the L XXX line, cool. Yank my gear and don't miss a radio call. Goes for either side. We all have a past. And it's that, the past.

You kind of made my point, that the only reason they could be elected were because of large amounts of LCAL or new guys, not because of LUAL votes. Look, you may not care about legacies but that does not mean you can bury your head in the sand either. No it should not matter, I think that is what we all want, and no side should be discriminated because of legacy. But we are not quite there yet.

I just brought up that there are a number of pilots from both sides of the fence there. Figure 20% still are hard lined L whatever. Like I said on my fleet it doesn't really come up any more. The fence drop was the last thing many hung there hat on.

I'll say it again, after speaking with many former L-UAL Pilots in both SFO & LAX, there's absolutely no way a CAL Pilot would EVER be elected in either base. The sole reason given is always the same, because they were CAL.

Perhaps the former CAL bases are more progressive in allowing former UAL types to be elected into Union positions but you'll never see that on the west coast.

Ok, well we obviously have different LUAL friends.

You may want to wait and see if any LCAL guy runs for the top slot in LAX or SFO before you start throwing rocks.

What a joke. It's all about who's best for the job. Period. We'll never move forward with this us versus them mentality.

Agree completely. Just stating the facts as they stand today.

Not fact at all - just your opinion.

Exactly........

Fellow Houston Pilots,

The Captain Representative you elect will help shape our opener for section six negotiations with the company. With a decade of scheduling experience, I will bring a unique perspective to the table and will make sure your priorities are heard. Below are a few issues, among many, that need to be addressed.

PBS improvements- We have many free resources available for pilots to improve their PBS bid, yet many still feel the need to pay for bidding help. We need an improved bidding interface, more bidding options and we need to move the bidding window earlier so pilots can plan their lives.

Trip Trade improvements-What PBS can't do for us, Trip Trade should be able to fix. Many of the improvements we need are things that we have had in our contracts already. Returning to a "bad day worse day" logic, improved IT to track reserves in silo (transparent to CM and pilots alike), and relaxing coverage limitations on the first TT run of the month are all examples of options we used to have and were proven effective in past contracts. These are all things that the company, and the pilots, have seen work in the past. They should be brought back.

Reserve Improvements-Reserve improvements need to be at the top of the MEC's agenda. Rolling of days off and abuse of SCs must be reigned in so pilots have some predictability in their lives. Automation enhancements are needed to reduce or eliminate contact with scheduling where feasible.

L-CAL LTD Fund-An issue that is near and dear to many Houston pilots is the L-CAL LTD fund. I was in favor of the LC171 resolution that sought the return of those monies to the plan participants when we originally sent that resolution to the MEC, and I am firmly committed to returning that money to the plan participants as soon as possible. Another common question about the L-CAL LTD funds regards their distribution. Section 12.2 paragraph (a) of the plan document very clearly states that any distribution from the fund can only go to the pilots that paid the premiums (the plan participants). That is set in stone, as it should be. You can access the Plan document on the MEC R&I website at http://ual.alpa.org/LinkClick.aspx?file ... &mid=29533

Your union representatives constantly deal with issues that effect your work life. Some of those issues, as a line pilot, you might only encounter once or twice in a career. Others might effect your work life on a daily basis. You deserve a Captain Representative that will do the research on ALL those issues, whether they are minor or complicated. With that knowledge your rep can make informed decisions and, in turn, inform and educate you so that we can each make the best decisions possible about our careers. I pledge to do just that if you elect me.

I would be honored to continue serving all of you as Captain Representative. Please vote today at http://www3.alpa.org/VoteNet/tabid/6263/Default.aspx.

Brad Hutchens
LC 171 Interim Captain Representative

LTD Update: Houston LC 171 Captain Rep Election - Captain Chuck Cummins

Up to $28,000 tax-free RETURNED to every L-CAL pilot...

The most defining issue in the election for LC 171 Captain Representative is resolution of the L-CAL LTD Trust Fund. The only way we will ever fight to get OUR LTD money is by electing me, Captain Chuck Cummins, as your Captain Representative. The alternative is that YOUR money--money that you earned and on which you paid taxes--WILL be shared as the basis for the new plan. You WILL NOT SEE A DIME UNLESS YOU WERE ON LTD AT THE TIME OF THE MERGER. In other words, you are donating your assets for the benefit of the majority without a vote. This cannot happen, and I am prepared to fight. Here are the facts that have been vetted through two very respected attorneys who are well-versed in these issues:

1. Pre-Merger Continental Pilots were paying into an LTD plan that had CASH VALUE. It was similar to a whole life insurance policy where the pilots paid taxes on all contributions they and the company made on the pilots’ behalf.

2. Pre-Merger United Pilots were not paying into a plan with a cash value. In fact, they were not paying into an LTD plan as their LTD was company funded, like a term insurance policy.

3. At the date of merger the Continental Pilots LTD plan was valued at about $100 Million. The United Pilots LTD plan had a value of $0.

4. The opinion of highly respected legal counsel is that at merger The Continental Pilots Long Term Disability plan was TERMINATED. Therefore, the proceeds of the plan should have been used to purchase an annuity for the 155 Continental Pilots who were on LTD as of that date. The remaining balance should have been paid out to the Continental Pilot plan participants who were already taxed on their contributions.

5. Met-Life is one of the only companies capable of doing a structured settlement of this size. The plan participants would give Met-Life the $100 Million. Met-Life would purchase an annuity for $29 Million (the actuarial amount needed to cover the remaining 155 Continental Pilots on the LCAL LTD for the life of their careers including the possibility of increasing mandatory retirement age.) Then, Met-Life would pay out the balance to The Continental Pilot Plan Participants relieving the company of any liability going forward.

6. Rest assured, this is not the Continental Pilots against the Union. It is the Continental Pilots against the management. Interestingly, there is NO way ALPA will ever get dues money on the return of insurance over-payments made by pilots. ALPA, it seems, wants the money to go to the new LTD plan. However, this money had dues and taxes paid at the time it was deducted from L-CAL pilots’ payroll and it rightfully needs to go back to the L-CAL pilots.

7. Today, management makes all the decisions about this LTD plan. They thank us for paying the taxes on this pool of money as it grows. And, they plan to keep it until they decide do something with your $100 Million!

Well, that decision was just made at the last MEC meeting. As my competitor, Brad Hutchens, stated in his campaign letter, he led a movement to increase the monthly LTD cap from $8,000 to $11,000. While that is a necessary move, management should be held accountable to fund this increase. Instead, YOUR $100 Million CAL LTD money will lay the foundation benefitting not just you, but all United pilots! And, my competitor, Brad Hutchens, is doing this right in front of you! Interestingly, he didn't mention the approximately $28,000 tax-free money that would be taken from every L-CAL pilot plan participant to fund this increase.

I’ve tried to paraphrase all that was explained to me. There may be more or less; however, it is too big of an issue to merely let fade away. As your Captain Representative, I vow to fight to the end of my term to return your money to you. This is pre-merger money that belongs to the rightful benefactors. I ask all United Pilots to stand with us to refund this LTD trust fund. Then I ask all of us to stand together to raise the monthly benefits and improve our LTD program for all United Pilots.

Remember, if you have already voted, you can change your vote at any time up until 10:00am, August 10. Thank you for your attention. Please vote for Captain Chuck Cummins for LC 171 Captain Representative.

Breaking news: With the possible closure of CLE L-CAL pilots will now lose even more representation at the MEC. My election to the MEC is more important than ever if you want to ensure your voice is heard.

Fraternally,

Chuck Cummins

The election is now open for all members in good standing in LC 171 including First Officers. Simply log into the Members Only section ofwww.alpa.org with your seven-digit ALPA number and password. On the left hand side of your member home page, select the link under My Alerts to access the ballot and vote in the LC 171 election that remains open until August 10, 2016. If you’ve forgotten your password, call ‪(888) FLY-ALPAand press “3.”

Remember: You can change your vote at any time. Don't miss this last chance to have an L-CAL pilot in there fighting for what is yours.

LTD Update: Houston LC 171 Captain Rep Election - Captain Chuck Cummins.....

"Remember: You can change your vote at any time. Don't miss this last chance to have an L-CAL pilot in there fighting for what is yours."




Simple Definition of divisive
: causing a lot of disagreement between people and causing them to separate into different groups

CC is a nut job who can't get past the ISL. He has no business representing anyone!

Amazing, this guy wants to represent/promote himself at the expense of all United pilots and is using the old LCAL against LUAL fight to do it. We know what JP did - is Chuckie his replacement?

This guy has absolutely no business ever being an ALPA rep. He is a walking DFR lawsuit. He recently said he had gotten over the merger that he ranted and raved about only a few months ago. Now this letter in which he has the unmitigated gall to besmirch one of the best ALPA volunteers I have ever known.

Chuck Cummins has shown who he truly is and it's not pretty.

Wadr and I'm afraid to ask this question, but does this guy have any support?

Yes he does unfortunately- many in IAH (not all) still see LCAL vs. LUAL.

Whatever happened with just doing the right thing? It's so simple and more importantly, explainable.

We are talking about a voting block largely of semi bitter middle aged white men. We just had a primary season that showed 'the right thing' isn't glaring obvious to that group.

Unfortunately for BH, his anti CAL rhetoric from months ago on the "other forum" is still accessible. He's not as pure as many here are purporting.

That's a bold faced lie. I couldn't remember him being that way so I went back and looked at every post he's posted in 2016 and Ofc there was nothing anti CAL. Not even a post where he mentioned LCAL. Unlike CC who sends anti UAL blast mails. UFB

Your guy lost - ugh?

Why not do a cut and paste?

Complete BS.

Not voting for Brad but i could find no post that is over the top. He is not a huge fan of scabs, not big on uniform police, but wants to meet in the CPO.

2 out of 3 ain't bad.

Deep and thought provoking criteria to rationalize one's lack of support.

Having known Brad for a number of years, he's about as unbiased and level headed as they come.

So what ya' got Mitch. Please post what "anti CAL rhetoric" you speak of. Or are you gonna be like Chuck? Throw s&$t and disappear?

Flyers seen around IAH...

Flyers also seen around IAH...

What an utter embarrassment.

Mark Twain once said "Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story". Yesterday, my opponent in the Captain Representative election sent you an email that, in no uncertain terms, accused me of trying to steal money from pilots in Council 171. He's been doing this for a while on internet forums and handwritten leaflets at the airport. Nothing I have ever said, done or written could be construed to support his claim. In fact, quite the opposite is true. I have refrained from responding until now out of respect for the dignity of the election process and because I believe that our council needs to have faith that our union representatives will act like professionals. Captain Cummins' email reflects a lack of understanding of the contract, the LCAL LTD plan, council resolutions and our current LTD plan so I am required to respond.

To give you the opportunity to decide which of our very different views are true I will present you with iron-clad facts from documents readily available to you..

First, as I pointed out in my last email to the council, the money that is in the LCAL LTD fund can ONLY be distributed to the pilots that paid the premiums in that plan. Read paragraph 12.2 (a) of the LCAL LTD plan document (available on the MEC website) or refer to section 24-H-18-b of the UPA to see the language that protects your rights. No one can change that and there is no one who wants to change it.

There ARE outstanding issues with that plan, but if Captain Cummins can't even understand those issues he is never going to be able to fix them. Any reasonable accounting of that LCAL LTD plan shows that there is more money in it than there needs to be. But the problems with that plan are HOW MUCH needs to be returned and WHEN. Nobody disputes WHO gets those funds; not the company, not ALPA and certainly not me. I will fight to make "how much" as much as possible and "when" as soon as possible. "Who" gets the money are the pilots who paid the premiums, no one else.

Second, the LCAL LTD and our current LTD plan funds are completely separate. There is NO WAY those two funds can be mixed. Captain Cummins claims that they can be mixed or re-directed, when they simply cannot. Last month, at our council meeting, we unanimously passed a resolution that deals with the CURRENT LTD plan (which covers pilots who are disabled after the 2013 UPA was signed). Our current LTD plan caps benefits at $8,000 a month if disabled. With our contract extension and its associated raises that $8,000 per month is inadequate. The resolution that the council passed and I fought hard to get passed at the MEC simply asks ALPA to find an alternative, entirely optional, way for pilots to receive higher benefits. That resolution only affects our current LTD plan. In no way does that resolution involve the LCAL LTD fund. In no way would it remove money from the LCAL LTD plan.

Whoever our council elects in the next week will be your representative for the next few years. You will have to rely on them to protect your interests and give you information over that time. As this election has progressed you have been given a very clear choice. You can choose a representative who understands the issues at hand and will help you understand them as well. Alternatively, you can choose someone who consistently fails to understand issues that are important to so many of the pilots in the council. You can choose a representative that will tell you the unvarnished truth, or you can choose a representative that will mislead you with bad information.

You cannot sit this election out. It is up to you, you will get the union you deserve.

Please vote for Captain Brad Hutchens at http://www3.alpa.org/VoteNet/tabid/6263/Default.aspx.

Respectfully and fraternally,

Brad Hutchens
LC 171 Interim Captain Representative
773-301-4785
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/Hutchens171/

As a Newhire who's not on either side this Chuck dude sounds like a terrible choice. We need to stop fighting each other and kick AA and DAL butts not our own....