January 23, 2023

United Pilots’ Union Elects New Chair

CHICAGO—Today, the United Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) unanimously elected Capt. Garth Thompson as chair, effective January 23, 2023. The term runs through February 2024.

Capt. Garth Thompson, United ALPA MEC Chair

“This is a critical time in our union’s history,” said Thompson. “I am grateful for the opportunity and am prepared to hit the ground running. Our pilots are all in agreement that it is past time for management to deliver on their promise of an industry-leading contract. This will be my primary focus on day one.”

Thompson is a 30-year United Airlines pilot and is currently Denver-based on the A320. He had been serving as a local council representative before his election to MEC chair. His past ALPA service also includes the MEC-level Related Carrier Review, Merger, and National Affairs Steering committees. On the local level in Denver, he chaired the Strike Committee and was a member of the Grievance Committee.

 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 67,000 pilots at 40 U.S. and Canadian airlines, including the 14,000 pilots at United Airlines. Visit the United ALPA website at alpa.org/ual or follow us on Twitter @UnitedPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org