Controversy Swirls Around New Leader Of United Pilots. A Top ALPA Leader Says He Is Troubled By The Choice

At a time when all major airlines and their pilots are moving towards contracts that will shape the industry in the next few years, a controversial leader has been elected chairman of the United Airlines chapter. The United master executive council voted 9-8 to elect Neil Swindells as chairman. He is a Chicago-based Boeing 787 captain. The ballots that were incorrectly filled out by the remaining two members of the 19-member board did not allow for the counting of votes. According to a source, those votes were probably split between Swindells or another candidate. Because Chairman Mike Hamilton had to suddenly resign due to an unspecified illness, the election was necessary. Swindells posted frequently on social media in recent years. He opposed a tentative agreement that was reached in the summer. Swindells, who joined United in 1995 did not return phone calls, emails, or a message. Swindells' election was expressed concern by Joseph Genovese (treasurer and vice president for finance at ALPA National). Genovese stated that Genovese's comments were troubling. They are not helpful in trying get a contract to United pilots. I am a United pilot, and I believe that our interests should be represented in the best way. I don't like Neil's past. It could affect his ability to negotiate a deal. Genovese stated that he believes a contract agreement can be reached. 94% of United pilots opposed a June tentative contract that included a 14.5% raise. The industry's ongoing pilot contract negotiations came to a halt when Delta ALPA announced that it had reached a principle agreement that would give an immediate 18% raise and a cumulative increase of 34% over three years. It also included multiple improvements in work/life balance. Genovese stated that 'When the TA failed', MEC members opposed to it came in and systematically began to remove representatives in favor of TA from councils. They wanted their own person to take charge. Neil was around for a while and had been a critic as well as a voice on this forum. Discussion of a joint United Airlines-Emirates Airlines event. It was noted that 'I'm certain Emirates had nothing to do Emirates having a Emirates male captain flanked by a United first officer, right? Every optic was created to reflect Emirates' dominance in the codeshare and give United their desired (DEI), money shot. A comment to United CEO Scott Kirby. "Continuing to get your gay guy on today, I see." Swindells sent a Monday letter to pilots, writing: "I'd like thank the United Pilots for entrusting this role in such a crucial time in our union’s history." I also want to thank Capt. I'd also like to thank Capt.