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- Home
- News Feed
- MEC
- Committees
- ‣See All
- ‣Benefits
- ‣Central Schedule
- ‣Comms
- ‣Contract Interp
- ‣EAP & Pro Standards
- ‣European Affairs
- ‣Government Affairs
- ‣Grievance
- ‣Hotels & Transport
- ‣Human Rights & Equity
- ‣Membership Engagement
- ‣Negotiating
- ‣Reserve
- ‣Retiree Med Plan
- ‣Retirement Board
- ‣Safety, Health & Security
- ‣System Board
- ‣Uniforms
- Councils
- Resources
- Reports
- Public Area
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Dear Flying Partners,
Over the past twelve years, it has been the privilege of my life to serve as your Master Executive Council President. Looking back over my last 29 years as a Union Member and United Flight Attendant, I have seen the evolution of our profession.
When I began at Newark (EWR), I did not immediately become involved with AFA. I was a Member in name only. It wasn't until the attacks of September 11th where I, like so many others, lost a member of my immediate family in an act of terrorism that shook our nation.
In my greatest time of need, the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was there for me, asking nothing in return. EAP Volunteers, actively grieving the loss of our flying family, gave more in the weeks and months that followed than could ever be repaid. They provided a lifeline of empathy and support as the world continued to turn.
In the recovery from 9/11, I made the decision to try to return a measure of the compassion that had been given to me and my family, and trained to join the EAP Committee.
EAP has stayed with me through every elected position as a foundation of my Union experience. From my time as a two-term Local Council President at JFK to becoming your Master Executive Council (MEC) President following the United/Continental Merger, every position has been rooted in the fight for our profession and the future of all Members.
No matter the role I have held within our organization I want to firmly acknowledge that nothing has been accomplished alone. There has never been a day where I have not been surrounded by talented, dedicated Union activists. While our ideas, perceptions or processes may have been different we have always moved forward together as one voice for Flight Attendants.
The work of our Union is only possible because of these dedicated, trained volunteers who sacrifice their personal time and comfort in the goal of something bigger than any one of us. No one bears this sacrifice more than our family and friends.
To my beloved husband Gary, the past twelve years would not have been possible without your unwavering support. Gary has been my constant through some of the most difficult and challenging times of my professional life. He has seen me though airline mergers, bankruptcy hearings and pandemics. His faith in me to fight to do what is right for my fellow flying partners, even in the face of staggering odds, has kept me grounded.
While my time in office will come to an end on June 30th, I know the incoming Master Executive Council Officers will continue to drive forward on the work of our Union. They will harken in a new era of leadership and prepare for the future of United AFA. With decades of experience, they are prepared to take on all the challenges this industry provides.
As I conclude my final term, I want to acknowledge the calls for change. The AFA of today is not the AFA of yesterday, nor should it be the AFA of tomorrow. Change can only be accomplished through the involvement and participation of ALL Members. I urge you all to take on the challenge. Join a Committee. Attend a Local Council meeting. Craft agenda items. Take ownership of our Union.
I look forward to rejoining you all on the line.
Thank you for the privilege of a lifetime serving as your United Master Executive Council President.
In Solidarity,
Ken Diaz, President
United Master Executive Council
AFA-CWA/AFL-CIO