President's Report Archives -

President’s Report – February 2019

February 15, 2019 Craig Vanderhoof 0

“AS ONE”

When you walked in today you may have noticed a different seating arrangement and thought, what the hell is he up to? You thought right, the Executive board and I have noticed just like many of you have noticed that a division of the house is in front of us. One way we have decided to deal with this is to remove the center isle that divided everyone. The new seating arrangement is an example of how our group can be united and how we as members of Victory Lodge 1725 need to be. We should be joined … Read More...

President’s Report – January 2019

January 17, 2019 Craig Vanderhoof 0

The day I found out I was going to be the next President of the Local a good friend sent me a quote, ” If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But If you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight as a lion”.

These are not only words that I plan to stand by but a promise that I will always strive to be the best leader I can be for this Local … Read More...

President’s Report – December 2018

December 18, 2018 Admin 0

President’s Report

On Thursday, December 13^th, 2018, Local Lodge 1725 held elections for the next Executive Board and its officers. I would like to thank everyone that took the time to come out and vote in this election. For personal and family reasons I decided not to seek a second term as President of your local. Let me say that it has been my honor and privilege to serve this membership and unionism at large for these past three years.

As I reflect back on my role as President of Local Lodge 1725, I realize it was one … Read More...

President’s Report – October 2018

October 17, 2018 Admin 0

President’s Report

We have all heard a tremendous amount recently about the elections that will be taking place in November. The stakes are high not only for the candidates but also for the voters and this country.

It’s possible that there will be a record turnout in this election. Much of that can be attributed to the incredible amount of voter dissatisfaction that exist today. Many citizens are disillusioned with the way our government operates. They feel like their interests are not being heard or considered, that their voice doesn’t matter. Our government has become one dimensional. It has become … Read More...

President’s Report – September 2018

September 17, 2018 Admin 0

09/13/2018

I would like to take a minute and review what was a remarkable couple of weeks for your local back in August.

On August 21stthings got kicked off things when the Young Worker Committee held its first annual “Poker Night” fundraiser for GDA. They had a good turn out and, in the process, raised $750 for GDA.

Two days later August 23rd, your local lodge through the hard work of the Community Service, Young Workers, and Women’s Committees donated 550 drawstring bags with the IAM and Victory Lodge 1725’s logo printed on them. Before they handed them out they … Read More...

President’s Report – August 2018

August 15, 2018 Mike Jones 0

08/14/2018

In the past few weeks I have had meetings and phone conversations with members of the leadership teams from the Charlotte chapters of both the APA (Allied Pilots Association) and APFA (Association of Professional Flight Attendants). These meetings were very productive and illuminated many of the common issues our respective unions face in our dealings with American Airlines.

Several common themes emerged from these discussions. First, it is clear, that American Airlines does not single out any one group for disrespect or mistreatment. It treats all its labor groups with contempt.

Second, at least on a local level, I … Read More...

President’s Report – July 2018

July 18, 2018 Mike Jones 0

07/18/2018

This President’s Report brings with it very news bad news and with that bad news comes a call to action.

As most of you know by now the Supreme Court ruled against unions in Janus vs AFSCME dealing a huge blow to public-sector unions and the labor movement in general. This now means that public-sector employees around the nation will no longer have to pay fees or dues to their unions, even if those unions collectively bargain on behalf of those employees, negatively impacting union membership and revenues nationwide.

That was the second major anti-labor ruling the Supreme Court … Read More...

President’s Report – May 2018

May 16, 2018 Mike Jones 0

05/16/2018

Work Safe. Those two words are more important than ever right now for the American Airlines members of Victory Lodge 1725. Aviation is a very unforgiving industry when it comes to mistakes. With all the different distractions that we deal with at work, the state of our current contract negotiations for example, it is critical, that each and every one of us is as methodical, diligent, and focused as possible on safety.

Be sure to follow the ROM (Ramp Operations Manual), GPM (General Procedures Manual), etc. as well as all applicable aircraft maintenance manuals TO THE LETTER! No … Read More...

President’s Report – April 2018

April 24, 2018 Mike Jones 0

04/24/2018

The phrase “Know Your Enemy” is a saying derived from Sun Tzu’s “Art of War.” As a union we often mistake the company as our enemy. The company may be our adversary, but it is not our enemy. The two however are interconnected. As a Union our enemy is membership apathy. Apathy is defined as “a state of indifference” and it is the life blood of inaction. Inaction is the lifeblood of our adversary.

Unions are only as strong as their members level of engagement. When Unions are in tough times and they need strength to achieve what their … Read More...

President’s Report – March, 2018

March 9, 2018 Admin 0

03/09/2018

Your lodge, your meeting

In a recent conversation with several of our members, it became clear to me that when they were attending our monthly business meeting that they did not fully understand the process that we use to bring issues before the membership requiring their approval.

This process typically takes place under the “unfinished business” or “new business” portion of our meeting. This process is done in accordance with the IAM constitution, our local lodge bylaws and with the use of Roberts Rules of Order.

Typically, when we reach this section of the meeting agenda you will hear … Read More...