Negotiators

See also: Negotiations Support Committee

These elected AFA Members are critical to the process because only Flight Attendants know how each of us experiences the provisions of our negotiated Contract. They work at the direction of the United MEC and in accordance with the priorities set by the AFA Members at United Airlines.

The following AFA Members were elected to our Negotiating Committee:

Ken Diaz, JFK Council 5

Ken started his airline career in 1983 with People Express Airlines working in the Accounting Dept. and as a Flight Attendant. He went on to work as a Flight Attendant for Continental Airlines and Carnival Airlines before being hired with United Airlines in June of 1998.

Shortly after 9/11 Ken became involved in lobbying Congress for mandatory Security Training for Flight Attendants. He became Government Affairs Chairperson for Council 6 shortly thereafter. He went on to become Grievance Chairperson as well as being elected Local Council 6 Secretary in 2005.

After transferring to JFK upon the EWR base closure Ken became trained as an EAP Representative and Occupational/Benefits Committee person.

He was elected Local Council 5 President in February 2008 and was recently re-elected to that position in March of 2011. He also serves on the AFA International Legislative/Policy Committee.

Jack Kande, HKG Council 26

After working at another major US airline, Jack emerged as a leader among our ranks even as early as his initial training at United in 1995. In less than a year he was elected by his peers to serve as Local Council President in Hong Kong, where he is currently based. Jack took a break from serving as President of the Local Council after two terms but continued to volunteer on the AFA Grievance, Safety and Occupational Benefits Committees along with acting as Strike Coordinator.

In addition to all of his volunteer work for our Union he is an officer in the United States Army Reserves. He also has international Flight Attendant negotiations experience and is schooled as an economist. Jack is well respected by his peers in Hong Kong for his demands for justice and commitment to resolving every issue for the benefit of Flight Attendants.

With encouragement from his flying partners, Jack again ran for Local President in Hong Kong last year and inspired the highest voter turnout for Local Elections across the system even though he was running unopposed. We often hear from Members throughout the system who have flown with Jack and were impressed with his ability to tackle domestic legalities, reserve assignment issues or explain a wide range of our benefits.

Jack stated during his interview with the MEC, "to me there is no difference between junior/senior, lineholder/reserve or domestic/international issues – there are only issues important to Flight Attendants. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to win the best Contract in the industry."

Shirley Barber, LAX Council 12

Shirley is a Los Angeles Flight Attendant with over 30 years of service to our Union. Scheduling is her expertise, but after serving as MEC Secretary-Treasurer for six years she was exposed to the wide range of issues affecting Flight Attendants throughout the system.

While serving as the Chairperson of our Union's Schedule Committee for 12 years, Shirley fought for Flight Attendant quality of work life by insisting the company consistently apply the language of the Contract as intended. Shirley's steely determination has served us well during some of the most challenging times our Union has ever faced. You can always find her at the head of the picket line expressing her contempt for the actions of management. She has consistently proven her dedication to Flight Attendants. Shirley also knows first-hand the tactics of current management and has proven herself skilled in her dealings with current management. She knows how to cut through their rhetoric and turn the tables in our favor. She stated during her interview before the United Master Executive Council, "I'm ready for this fight."

As impressive as the credentials are for our negotiators remember that the real negotiations take place in the field every day.  You are the key to the success of our negotiations.  Ask yourself: what are you willing to fight for?  Throughout this process our Union will conduct Member trainings and provide a constant stream of communications.  All of us will play a critical role in our future success and that begins with a fundamental understanding of the process.  Together we will be prepared and able to send our negotiators to the table with the full power of solidarity squarely behind them.

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