ATTENTION!!
BALLOTS ARE BEING MAILED TO YOUR HOUSE
If You Didn't Receive a Ballot by March 10th, Click on the Link Below:
Our Local President Endorses Our Slate
Click to Read President's Endorsement Letter
Empowering YOUR Voice in
YOUR Local Union
As candidates for your Local 591 Executive Board, we shall protect our respective crafts and fight hard for our Members.
We believe in a unified Local where all five regions and all 26 stations are always informed and fighting our company together.
We need unity on our Executive Board, and representation by professionals committed to serving the Membership, and not just protecting their own personal scams and deals.
Join us in our fight to unify our Membership across our great nation, so that our future is brighter for us all, especially for our newest and younger Members.
Strong Leadership
Leaders who have proven they will take this company on, who will strongly support and communicate with each other, and who will not undermine our Local President
Embrace the Future Leaders
Leaders who are dedicated to helping the younger generation of Unionists, and welcome them into Union positions--especially on the Executive Board.
Great Work Ethics
Leaders who never lose sight that they work for you--the Membership. Leaders who live near the airport and frequent the floor when possible. Leaders who aren't afraid of hard work and long hours.
Our Mission and Commitment to the Membership
is 100% based around Local Leadership Integrity.
We embrace and shall advocate for greater transparency at all times. We shall prioritize the needs and wishes of the Membership, and we will fight to ensure fair elections at all stations. We shall never appoint a newly created Board position in the manner that was just done.
We also realize that some current Executive Board members feel it is okay to live upwards of three hours away from their home station, and that working from home full-time is okay.
Our commitment is that if you elect our candidates, that nobody on your new Executive Board shall work from home full-time.
Our Mission and Commitment
Professional Leadership
Please meet the candidates who consistently demonstrate the genuine dedication to representing our Members, and enhancing the trust in your Local, and who will unify the five Local 591 Regions
so we can STAND AS ONE against our company
Brian Coyne
Vice President
As a candidate for Vice President, I am deeply committed to advocating for our members' contractual rights. I will defend and uphold your contractual rights every day, ensuring that our high standards of safety, professionalism, and integrity are never compromised.
My mission is to unite the Regions and the Executive Board, working together in the best interests of our members. I will hold the company accountable to the highest standards of the In Accordance With, scope of work, and ensure strict accountability. Under the responsibilities outlined in Article 32, I will fiercely advocate for all Maintenance groups and M.L.S., our Scope of Work, A.O.G., M&E, and Field Trips. Resolving issues at the local level will remain my top priority, where I have had significant success as Central Region RVP, and I am fully prepared for arbitration when necessary.
I am committed to working alongside President Gary Schaible, assisting with the Local's daily activities to ensure a stable and effective environment. I prioritize E.A.P., A.S.A.P., and Safety, and I will continue to offer my full support to these crucial programs.
As a USAF Veteran, father and husband, I will bring the core values of duty, integrity, and unity to the Vice President role. Unionism is about standing as one, and I will dedicate myself to that cause with unwavering commitment.
Troy Rhoads
Financial Treasurer
In my 26 years with American Airlines I have held positions as an OSM, AMT and Crew Chief.
Some of my strengths are strong analytical and communication skills as well as being well-organized and reliable.
As your Financial Treasurer my goals are:
- To oversee the financial growth of our Local.
- Work diligently to make sure all stations are represented equally.
- Act as a responsible steward of the union's finances to support it's mission and advocacy efforts.
- As a Board we must work together to strengthen our Local!!
See more:
Johnnie Benyard
Recording Secretary
My name is Johnnie 'JB' Benyard and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Local 591 Recording Secretary.
As I approach my 35th year with American Airlines. I am proud to reflect on the diverse roles I've held-ranging from Fleet Service, Aircraft Painter, OSM, QA, to AMT and now Crew Chief.
Throughout my career, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of our operations, which I believe will serve me well in this next chapter.
In addition to my extensive experience, I have had the honor of serving as a shop steward for several years. In this role, I have demonstrated my willingness to stand up and advocate for our members and ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Your vote will afford me the opportunity to continue my efforts in providing transparency and support to each of us.
If elected my primary objectives will be:
* To perform all duties of the Recording Secretary with diligence and professionalism.
* To enhance communication and transparency to all of our various work groups, making sure to also include visits to our smaller Local 591 stations and smaller work groups:
AMTs, Cleaners, Stores/MLS, GSE/Facilities, Maintenance Training Specialists, QA Auditors, Maintenance & Material Planners, and Technical Documentation Specialists.
* To keep our members informed on the status of any grievances and ensuring they're abreast on any new developments as they may relate.
Above all, I believe that solidarity is the cornerstone of our strength as a union, and I am committed to upholding that principle in every action I take.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
See more:
Russ Dittmer
Administrative
Executive Board Member
I have been working for AA as an AMT and AMT Crew Chief since 1989 in ORD.
Some of the positions I have held in my TWU Locals (512, 563, & 591) include Steward, Chief Steward, ASAP ERC Rep, FAA Liaison, Executive Board Member.
I am very proud to have been one of your three Local 591 representatives on the Contract Negotiation Committee. While we ultimately did not renegotiate the JCBAs, with your help we absolutely brought us back to the best paid in the industry, where we belong, with the Contract Extensions.
I will continue to work to bring more transparency, like I have with the twice yearly updated current impact from Arbitrator Javits Seniority List updates, the growing list of Association Documents page, and the list of updates and documents from the recent Contract Negotiations Committee preparations.
I will continue to communicate with you including periodic updates on my activities and important topics, as I have in the past, as your:
At-Large,
AMT Title Group, &
Administrative
EBoard Member.
In addition, I will continue to work to add more ways to provide you information, like the recently added Friday Call Podcasts.
I commit that I will continue to use my Labor and Aircraft Mechanic experience, as well as my formal education Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution, Bachelors Degree in Labor Studies, and Associates Degree in Paralegal, and various educational program Certificates, to benefit the entire Local 591 Membership.
See more:
98941012-5cc3-4d77-963a-cf7d56ce40d5
Linked In:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-dittmer-9647592
Presidents Endorsement Letter:
Mark Erler
AMT
Executive Board Member
I want to start with a quote that means a lot to me:
"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, for your character is what you are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." (Dale Carnegie)
I first became involved in this Union with helping our members by assisting with our local shift and vacation bids. I wanted to be more involved with helping our members, which is why I originally became an elected shop steward.
See more:
a87e81fd-3050-48f7-a83c-e8f23daeca14
Presidents Endorsement Letter:
Eddie Suarez
GSE/Facilities
Executive Board Member
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There is on undoing election every 3 years for the position of Executive Board, Transport Workers Union of America, Local 591 and I’m seeking your Vote and Support in order to advance the Labor Movement for our Great Union Organization, but more important to immediately address the concerns of Our Union Membership overall.
The following is a short chronological biography of some of My accomplishments:
I was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in Union City, New Jersey and at 18 years of age, I joined the United States Marine Corps, right after graduating from Union Hill High School.
Afterwards, I went to Naval Air Station, Millington, Tennessee and subsequently completing Bootcamp, at 2nd Marine Corps, Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.
However, while at US Naval Air Station , Millington, I attended Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic School, Trained on the A4, Skyhawk Airplane, Graduated 6 out of My Class and was granted choice station and airplane.
I picked 2nd Marine Corps Aviation Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina and chose the Fighters/Attack, Fix Wing AV8A & AV8C, Harrier Aircraft, which is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing Airplane and I would perform Maintenance and Repairs for the remainder of My Tour of Duty, with VMA 231, “Ace of Spade” and VMA 542, “Tiger” Squadrons, which are currently 2 Active Combat Squadrons and I was Honorably Discharged approximately after a period of about 4 Years and 3 Months.
I joined American Airlines in 1986, as a Mechanic and was nominated Shop Steward in 1989, Miami, Local 513, which is based out of DFW, Texas. I have served as Chief Steward, Section Chairman, 2 Terms as Executive Board Member, several terms as Vice-President and Finally voted in as Union President. I have participated in 4 Contract Negotiations and 4 TWU, International Conventions, Founder & Charter Member Local, 568, 561 and 591.
In conclusion, I’m asking for your Vote and Support towards a Third Term for the position of Executive Board, Title II, which I possess Experience, Knowledge, and Leadership Skills and moreover, I will diligently continue to advance the Labor Movement and continue to Fight for your Rights, Careers and Family Futures.
In Solidarity,
Eddie Suarez,
Former Title II, Executive Board, Veterans Committee, USMC.
See more:8dd65bb4-93b3-4c69-b927-9dbb5cc188e6
Mike Jezierski
Material Logistics Specialist
Executive Board Member
As a dedicated member of Local 591, I firmly believe that my unique combination of experience, leadership skills, and commitment to advocacy makes me the ideal candidate for the MLS Executive Board.
My extensive background in labor relations and many years of mentorship with Mike Bush has equip me with the necessary tools to navigate complex negotiations and advocate effectively for our members' rights.
My proven track record for wage increases and improved working conditions reflects my dedication to enhancing our collective bargaining power.
See more:
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Presidents Endorsement Letter:
Chris Horvath
At-Large
Executive Board Member
Chris "Squirrel" Horvath
I am an Aviation Maintenance Technician with over 37 years of dedicated service at American Airlines.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in aviation.
I proudly represent Local 591, fiercely advocating for the rights and needs of our members.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my wonderful wife, Nancy, who I’ve been happily married to for 30 years.
Together, we are proud parents to our son, Brandon, and are excited grandparents to our 17-month-old grandson, Kolton.
Family is my motivation, and I strive to make a positive impact in both my professional and personal life.
See more:
Brian Friedman
At-Large
Executive Board Member
As your At-Large Executive Board Member one of my primary objectives will be to collaborate effectively with the five Regional Vice Presidents to analyze and enhance the application of our contract.
The expansion and advancement of our work are crucial for the future success of our Local.
With my six years of experience as the Central Region Vice President, I have consistently and vigorously challenged management's abuse and overreach, securing impactful victories on behalf of our members.
I have a proven track record of handling grievances, labor arbitrations, and whistleblower complaints while engaging directly with company leadership.
I will continue this vigorous advocacy on your behalf.
See more:
James Knapp
Southeast
Regional Vice President
I am asking for your support and vote in my campaign for the Southeast Regional Vice President of Local 591. I started my career with AA in 1985 at TULE in Hangar 3A working drop-ins and later Hangar 3D Heavy ‘C’ Check overhaul. I transferred to DFW where I worked Hangar ‘B’ Checks and also Line Maintenance; later on I transferred to a small Class II Station called Miami.
While in DFW I was mentored by some of the best union reps I have ever known. When I transferred to MIA members of the executive board of local 513 in DFW which at that time represented MIA, asked me to become a union rep. I have been involved with representing the membership since early on in my career as a Shop Steward and was ELECTED as a Union Representative for 27 consecutive years as a Chairman. I was a union rep when MIA became big enough to have it’s own Local 568 and later was instrumental in starting the first maintenance local in the system, Local 561. For the first three years I was the SE Regional VP for Local 591 serving SJU, MCO, TPA, and MIA. I have worked together with the ASAP committee; I have been involved in MEAA and Just Policy investigations. Some of my experience also includes participating in arbitration cases as Lead Counsel and Co-Counsel.
The opportunity to serve as your Regional Vice President is a position I do not take lightly. I understand the difficulties we all face, especially here in our region. I have been around all of you in the SE Region for many years and you know my style and character are my strongest attributes. I am proud to serve you if elected and anticipate working with the rest of the guys on our Board, working hard to do what we have to so we can get the company to give us the Industry Leading pay we deserve. As the members that know me would agree, I am not here to represent the views of the company or the international, but to represent the member’s wishes, to protect their rights, and make sure that the company honors our current Agreement. I plead you to vote in this and all elections; don’t let it be your vote that is not cast. You have a voice and you can make a difference, which is why I am asking each of you to take a few minutes and cast your vote.
Please support our team because WE PUT OUR MEMBERS FIRST.
Fraternally,
Jimmy Knapp
+1-954-558-7048
See more:
Election Campaign Updates
Updates from the campaign trail
The Issues
The current Executive Board is unbalanced, with far too many on the Board from only one station. Miami with their block voting now has 7 of the 15 Board positions, of which 6 are national positions.
National Executive Board are supposed to represent the interests of all Members nationwide, and not just those at their home station.
The Local 591 Executive Board works best when there is a better balance. Our Executive Board needs to have voices from around the country, and not concentrated in one region or station, like it is today.
The Next Contract Fight
The current Local 591 Negotiating Committee, Gary Schaible, Russ Dittmer, and Mike Jezierski, were instrumental in pushing the Local 591 contract needs, and with the economic extension giving the Members the real industry wage charts, calling on Members to push for top of industry wages, and ultimately making sure we got back to top pay in the industry.
It will be more critical than ever, moving forward, to keep all three of them (Gary, Mike, and Russ) on the next Negotiation Committee for the upcoming Negotiations in 2027.
Gary, Mike, and Russ, who are all Harvard educated at the Program on Negotations, have proven that they are effective contract negotiation leaders, and the three of them have proven to have what it takes to fight for you, and to fight for the best wages in the industry.
The Appointment
The current Board fractured recently. In January, the TWU International approved an additional At-Large EBoard position.
At the next Executive Board Meeting, while President Schaible was literally on bereavement burying his recently deceased mother, and unable to attend the Board meeting (the first he has ever missed).
The MIA group exploited his absence due to bereavement and there was a motion was made from MIA, and seconded by MIA, to appoint Charlotte Overhaul based Southeast Regional Chair Michael "poof" Macintosh, knowing they had vote the way Miami votes in blocks.
All the TWU International "men"
The Local 591 Executive Board never approved TWU Local 591 Representatives working for the TWU International, or performing TWU International organizing activities and all profited by collecting from both the TWU International and Local 591 at the same time.
Look for yourself at their
TWU International 'payments'
FROM YOUR DUES MONEY!
September 1, 2022-August 31, 2023
Richie Rivera - $58,822 (WHAT???!)
Michael MacIntosh - $7,921 (Cha-)
Rey Castro - $15,162 (Ching$$!)
Full 2023 Report: https://olmsapps.dol.gov/query/orgReport.do?rptId=875237&rptForm=LM2Form
Simplified 2023 Report:
a6dbc095-e2f9-43f8-836b-5e0cdf66116e
September 1, 2023-August 31, 2024
Richie Rivera - $84,164 (SERIOUSLY?)
Michael MacIntosh - $34,713 (Cha-)
(Paid out to: Mac Organizing LLC)
Rey Castro - $15,163 (Ching$$!!)
Full 2024 Report: https://olmsapps.dol.gov/query/orgReport.do?rptId=900103&rptForm=LM2Form
Simplified 2024 Report:
b19b9a68-bd11-4988-a462-3d8c20f31e25
That cash is
ABOVE THEIR:
Current Local 591 monthly salaries!!!
No way of knowing if that cash is also above their hourly wages???
Commit to Limit
The above candidates are ALL committed to stopping any possible future newly created position appointments to the Local 591 Executive Board - and to amend the Local 591 by-laws to require a vote of the Local 591 Membership for any newly created Executive Board position.
Why Now
None of us ever wanted this conflict and strife.
This all started with threats from some in Miami, threats that they will run people against everyone on the Board unless we all just went along with The Miami Plan.
Well, some of us have too much integrity, and we are not just going along.
Our Members, and this Local we've worked so hard to build, are far too important to let bullies try to push us out.
Our Plan
It's simple, really:
Rebuild integrity within the Board.
Bring balance back to the Board.
Bring honesty back to the Board.
Restore trust from YOU!
Dedicated to Our Local Members
New Leadership for a Better Tomorrow
Your Local, Your Voice, Your Vote
We are dedicated to electing professionals whose only interest is the betterment of the membership and not personal scams. Join us in supporting candidates who prioritize your needs.
Flyers and Handouts
Our Vote Card!
We will Stop the Scams and Unify our Local!
National Level Positions!
Vote for these National level positions!
Work From Home Scam 1
GSE/FAC Executive Board Member Santos Dorta drive to Miami that he rarely makes. Click on map for more info and flyer
Work From Home Scam 2
Explains why we never see Rich Rivera at work. Click on map for more info and flyer.
STOP SCAMS
VOTE JIMMY KNAPP
SE RVP FLYER
Executive Board Members by region Since Local 591's Inception
Click for document
Get in Touch and Join our Movement
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