Voting closes on February 26 at 09:00. Don’t wait, vote now! (Where’s my PIN?)
Jason Gustin, bad for DFW
Why dump Gustin?
- Jason Gustin prioritizes The governing documents and contract over the membership
- Jason Gustin is more interested in maximizing his paycheck and climbing the instructor Pilot ranks over the membership
- Jason Gustin represents the needs of the “entity” (APA) over the membership.
- Jason Gustin violates the #1 core value of the APA Policy Manual
What’s this “Gustin Amendment” I keep hearing about?
Ahh yes, the Gustin amendment ? This was Jason Gustin’s attempt at stacking the deck in his favor, and the handful of APA board members with similar selfish desires. Look at it like this.
- Jason: “Hey Chris. You know, there is a very significant vote that’s coming up on whether or not APA should merge with ALPA”.
- Chris: “Jason, I couldn’t care less. APA, ALPA, it doesn’t matter I’m not voting because as far as I see it, they’re all the same.
- Jason: “Cool, thanks for the vote to stay with APA”.
And that, my fellow pilots, is the Gustin amendment.
So let’s say that 7,000 pilots choose not to participate in that vote. Of the 9,000 pilots that do participate, 6,500 vote to merge with ALPA. In a fair, “un-rigged” vote, 6,500 beats the 2,500 handsomely. Not so fast. Remember, the Gustin amendment counts the 7,000 non-voters as votes to stay with APA. 9,500 (2,500+7,000) “beats” 6,500. The 72% of the participating voters lose to the 28%.
Yeah, it totally sounds corrupt because it IS totally corrupt.
THIS is Jason Gustin, lurking in the shadows, ignoring those he promised to serve and furthering his own agenda.
Who should I vote for?
Great question. This DFW representation election is not just vital to your future at American Airlines, it is a watershed moment that will have lasting effects on your career. You need representatives who put your needs first, above their own. Leaders who are available and accountable to their constitutes. There is no question…
- DFW Chair; Brian Smith
- Emphasizes member‑driven, accessible leadership—prioritizing routine communication, regular polling, expanded volunteer involvement, and strengthened local support systems ahead of Section 6 negotiations.
- Argues that effective leadership requires being present and responsive during operational disruptions, citing Winter Storm Fern as an example of why immediate, local access to the DFW Chair matters.
- Stresses that unity, reduced divisiveness, and a focus on the future—not past political disputes—are essential for successful negotiations and a stronger, more engaged pilot group.
- Asks for pilot support to continue building a responsive, inclusive DFW domicile and urges high voter participation to demonstrate strong engagement.
- DFW Vice Chair; Eric MetCalf
- Argues that union leadership responded to Winter Storm Fern with delay and empty language, and he positions himself as a line pilot focused solely on representing pilots—not building a résumé or appeasing management.
- Rejects the idea that pilots should accept poor treatment, fatigue, or operational failures as normal, emphasizing that pilot frustration is justified and requires decisive action.
- Expresses no confidence in current AA management and advocates for structural, lasting solutions—specifically securing a pilot seat on the AA Corporate Board to ensure pilots have a permanent voice in company direction.
- Highlights his prior experience representing over 1,800 pilots at Envoy and commits to giving DFW pilots a strong, independent voice at APA rather than allowing insider‑selected candidates to dominate union leadership.
What about the DCA election?
How can I possibly have any influence in the DCA election? We all have friends in different bases and some of them may not be aware of the significance of this election cycle.
For the same reasons mentioned above, DCA pilot participation is vital and their choices will determine their career trajectory.
Call/text/email your DCA friends and enlighten them.
Who are the best candidates in DCA?
Glad you asked. The DCA candidates below share the same core values and convictions as Brian Smith and Eric Metcalf. Reach out to your DCA friends and let them know that.
- DCA Chair; CA Brandon Lighty
- Pilot engagement at DCA has sharply declined due to leadership shortcomings, with low voter turnout, empty committees, and a lack of formal domicile meetings.
- Pledges to restore engagement through consistent communication, regular meetings, accountability, and fully staffed committees that support pilots.
- Contract 2023 is criticized for failing to deliver key quality‑of‑life and career‑protection improvements, commits to stronger, clearer, and more protective contract provisions in future negotiations.
- Concerns are raised about the current representative’s handling of APA/ALPA merger negotiations, promises a transparent, unbiased process that ensures every pilot can participate in the final decision.
- DCA Vice Chair; FO James Cox
- An experienced, non‑incumbent candidate committed to honest, agenda‑free representation, emphasizing transparent communication, polling pilots before Board votes, and being prepared to lead immediately.
- Argues that current leadership has contributed to historically low pilot engagement, citing missed meetings, lack of responsiveness, and absence from key BOD sessions, and you commit to restoring participation through regular, in‑person domicile meetings and consistent availability.
- Calls for a fair, democratic process in the APA/ALPA merger discussions, criticizing the Gustin Amendment and pledging impartial evaluation of any tentative agreement while ensuring every pilot’s vote counts as intended.
- Highlights major quality‑of‑life issues—especially hotels, scheduling systems, IROPs protections, and sick leave—and commit to pushing for clear, enforceable contract language that protects pilots during disruptions and strengthens upcoming Section 6 negotiations.
How do I vote?
News Flash! After the nomination round, Sequent (APA’s election vendor) deleted ALL PINs associated with the DFW and DCA election.
So? That voided all the paper PINs that were sent in the mail. If you try to use that PIN, it will not work. Sequent has sent everyone an email with a new PIN
Well, where is it? Naturally, it’s not that apparent as to where it is. Search your inbox (spam too) for an email from @sequent.vote. One was sent out on February 05 and February 09. If you are unable to find your PIN, click here for complete instructions.
Don’t wait until the last moment, why not vote today?