AlbieF15
F15 Ret/FDX/InterviewPrep
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2001
- Posts
- 1,764
My name is Aaron Hagan, and I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of the FedEx Block 7 MEC Representative. I would like the opportunity to serve you as an active, aggressive participant in any and all matters than affect the membership of block 7, council 22, and the entire FedEx crew force.
I was hired in January 2002, and have been a 727 first officer for a little over three years after about two and a half years as a 727 second officer. Prior to joining the team at FedEx, I flew the OV-10 Bronco and the F-15 both on active duty and at Tyndall AFB as an instructor with the Florida Air National Guard. I stopped flying the F-15 in January and have applied for retirement. I have always been interested in all things aviation and currently own a GA aircraft that I enjoy flying when not on the line with FedEx. I am a very happy commuter, and currently live near Panama City, Florida with my wife of 18 years and three daughters.
I have not served in any capacity as an ALPA volunteer or representative in the past. While some may view that as a disadvantage, I prefer to think of it as the opportunity for a fresh start and a healthy new businesslike perspective. For the last 4 years I have operated Emerald Coast Interview Consulting, teaching clients how to communicate more effectively, and I am convinced some of those same skills could be used to improve our union’s performance. The “top down” flow of inputs and ideas has alienated many former staunch supporters of our union, and I would like to be part of the team that helps bring that support back. The union support s the line pilots’ agenda, not vice versa. The decision to run was not made lightly, but after a lot of soul searching I am convinced our union must do a better job of representing our crew forces’ interests on both the local and national level.
My pledge to the pilot group consists of four tenets.
First—I want to increase communication between the block rep and the pilots he represents. I will communicate on at least a monthly basis with the block members. Additionally—communication is 10 percent transmission, 90 percent listening. I pledge to not only listen, but actively solicit your input and concerns on future issues. I will be available for face to face meetings and pledge to be available as much as possible. Call me—I work for you!
Second—I want to serve the membership and redefine our concept of “representative democracy”. Some in our current MEC have taken that to adopt their position and then try to remind you that elected officials must sometimes make the “tough calls”. While I agree in part, I think the lack of input from the body on several major issues has created a huge rift and the potential for loss of trust between the MEC and the union membership. My position is simple—if it affects the careers and quality of life of the members of block 7, then they should have a voice and input. I will do my very best to give you that voice. If the MEC wants to a new secretary or paint the office blue, I will ask that you will trust me to hire someone with integrity or pick the right shade. If the MEC has to make decisions that will affect your career, you can be sure that I will aggressively seek your input and vote in a way that clearly represents what the majority of block 7 voters desires, even if that is not what the MEC Chairman wants. I am here to serve you—and I trust that with the high level of professionalism and expertise in our pilot group that you feel confident enough to make informed decisions.
Next—I want to insure a high level of trust by maintaining utmost transparency in my personal actions and the actions of my MEC. I will never block my calendar, and I will report monthly the membership any trip removals or other incidental costs incurred by your block rep in the performance of duty. It is YOUR dues money, and I will never forget who I work to serve. Trust is not a right—it is earned.
Finally—I will work to incorporate technology to the maximum extent possible to allow those crew members who do not live in domicile or are out on trips to participate in the various important meetings and road shows that take place frequently. This will be even more important as we move towards our next negotiations. If I can check VIPs on my iphone, or run a teleconference from my home office, I see no reason why you cannot vote on important issues at meetings unless you decide to drive to Germantown on a day off. We are moving into the twenty first century, and our union can catch up and allow its membership more opportunities to participate and have their voices heard.
In closing, I would appreciate your nomination for election to the Block 7 Representative position. Please contact at [email protected] or 850-774-6704 if you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations. I appreciate your support and pledge to do my very best to protect our futures and improve our quality of life.
Fraternally,
Aaron Hagan
I was hired in January 2002, and have been a 727 first officer for a little over three years after about two and a half years as a 727 second officer. Prior to joining the team at FedEx, I flew the OV-10 Bronco and the F-15 both on active duty and at Tyndall AFB as an instructor with the Florida Air National Guard. I stopped flying the F-15 in January and have applied for retirement. I have always been interested in all things aviation and currently own a GA aircraft that I enjoy flying when not on the line with FedEx. I am a very happy commuter, and currently live near Panama City, Florida with my wife of 18 years and three daughters.
I have not served in any capacity as an ALPA volunteer or representative in the past. While some may view that as a disadvantage, I prefer to think of it as the opportunity for a fresh start and a healthy new businesslike perspective. For the last 4 years I have operated Emerald Coast Interview Consulting, teaching clients how to communicate more effectively, and I am convinced some of those same skills could be used to improve our union’s performance. The “top down” flow of inputs and ideas has alienated many former staunch supporters of our union, and I would like to be part of the team that helps bring that support back. The union support s the line pilots’ agenda, not vice versa. The decision to run was not made lightly, but after a lot of soul searching I am convinced our union must do a better job of representing our crew forces’ interests on both the local and national level.
My pledge to the pilot group consists of four tenets.
First—I want to increase communication between the block rep and the pilots he represents. I will communicate on at least a monthly basis with the block members. Additionally—communication is 10 percent transmission, 90 percent listening. I pledge to not only listen, but actively solicit your input and concerns on future issues. I will be available for face to face meetings and pledge to be available as much as possible. Call me—I work for you!
Second—I want to serve the membership and redefine our concept of “representative democracy”. Some in our current MEC have taken that to adopt their position and then try to remind you that elected officials must sometimes make the “tough calls”. While I agree in part, I think the lack of input from the body on several major issues has created a huge rift and the potential for loss of trust between the MEC and the union membership. My position is simple—if it affects the careers and quality of life of the members of block 7, then they should have a voice and input. I will do my very best to give you that voice. If the MEC wants to a new secretary or paint the office blue, I will ask that you will trust me to hire someone with integrity or pick the right shade. If the MEC has to make decisions that will affect your career, you can be sure that I will aggressively seek your input and vote in a way that clearly represents what the majority of block 7 voters desires, even if that is not what the MEC Chairman wants. I am here to serve you—and I trust that with the high level of professionalism and expertise in our pilot group that you feel confident enough to make informed decisions.
Next—I want to insure a high level of trust by maintaining utmost transparency in my personal actions and the actions of my MEC. I will never block my calendar, and I will report monthly the membership any trip removals or other incidental costs incurred by your block rep in the performance of duty. It is YOUR dues money, and I will never forget who I work to serve. Trust is not a right—it is earned.
Finally—I will work to incorporate technology to the maximum extent possible to allow those crew members who do not live in domicile or are out on trips to participate in the various important meetings and road shows that take place frequently. This will be even more important as we move towards our next negotiations. If I can check VIPs on my iphone, or run a teleconference from my home office, I see no reason why you cannot vote on important issues at meetings unless you decide to drive to Germantown on a day off. We are moving into the twenty first century, and our union can catch up and allow its membership more opportunities to participate and have their voices heard.
In closing, I would appreciate your nomination for election to the Block 7 Representative position. Please contact at [email protected] or 850-774-6704 if you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations. I appreciate your support and pledge to do my very best to protect our futures and improve our quality of life.
Fraternally,
Aaron Hagan
Good luck though. I'm not even on the property and I think you would be a great choice.
