Negotiating Committee

This Committee consists of one Chairperson, the MEC President and two Members.

The MEC Negotiating Committee works hand-in-hand with our professional negotiators, attorneys and consultants throughout the entire negotiations process in accordance with the priorities set by United AFA-CWA Members.

Melinda Beal

Member

Melinda’s leadership and dedication to the membership in Cleveland have been instrumental to the success of the Cleveland base. Her journey began as Local Secretary nine years ago, leading to two three-year terms as Local Council President. Her influence extends to the Communications Workers of America State Council of Ohio, where she serves as a trustee, and as an active delegate in the North Shore AFL-CIO.

Melinda is one of the 14 Locally elected Presidents who comprise the Master Executive Council. She is a versatile leader, with previous grievance experience, line-building skills, and EAP coordination. Melinda’s commitment to her flying partners is unwavering, as she continues to fly and stay connected with Flight Attendant issues, advocating for them on a daily basis.

Melinda has attended many trainings throughout her career, from Retirement and Benefits to Advanced Leadership. Melinda has attended graduate courses at the Labor Center at UMass, making it her passion to stay connected to Labor issues.

She is highly motivated to bring her experience and talents to the negotiations table and will do everything in her power to get us the tentative agreement we deserve.

Ken Diaz

MEC President

Ken Diaz began his airline career in 1983 with People Express Airlines working in the Accounting Department and as a Flight Attendant. He continued his Flight Attendant career with Continental Airlines and Carnival Airlines just before being hired with United Airlines in June of 1998.

Shortly after 9/11 Ken became involved in lobbying Congress for mandatory Security Training for Flight Attendants. He became Government Affairs Chairperson for Newark, Council 6 shortly thereafter. He went on to become the Grievance Chairperson, as well as being elected the Local Executive Council 6 Secretary of Newark in 2005.

After United made the decision to close the Newark domicile, Ken transferred to JFK. Ken then became trained as an EAP Representative and Occupational/Benefits Committee Member. In February 2008, Ken was elected as Local Executive Council President for Council 5 and was elected for his second term of office in 2011.

Ken’s deep-seated passion for the rights and advocacy of his Union Brothers and Sisters found him compelled to further serve the Membership by seeking election to the office of United MEC President in May of 2014. After his successful election as our MEC President, Ken continues serving the Membership in his second term as our United Master Executive Council President and additionally serves on the AFA International Organizing and Ethical Practices Committees.

Ken was a Member of our 2012 -2016 Negotiating Committee who successfully negotiated our Flight Attendant Agreement during Expedited Negotiations.

Chris Bruton

Member

Chris began his flight attendant career at TWA in 1990. After being furloughed just four months into the job, he started as a United Airlines flight attendant in 1991, based in ORD. Over the next 15 years, he was based in JFK, BOS, LHR, and finally, DEN in 2007.

In 2011, Chris began volunteering for AFA Council 9 and was elected as a Council Representative that same year. He served as C9 Vice-President for three terms beginning in 2013 before being elected LEC President in 2022.

As a union leader, Chris has contributed to numerous committees, including Grievance, Reserve, Family Leave, and EAP/Professional Standards. He is trained in Benefits and Retirement, Safety, and Occupational issues, bringing a well-rounded perspective to his roles.

Chris believes that contract education and enforcement is essential to our union's success. To that end, in addition to the C9 Newsletter, he has developed tools and resources to help make contract information more accessible. These include the MEC IRROP Survival Guide, C9 InfoLinks, and various online calculators to assist with Duty Max/Door Closure, Holiday Pay, Reserve Fly Through options, and Bad Day Worse Day trades, all of which can be found on the Council 9 website AFADEN.org.

Chris finds immense fulfillment in union work and embraces the challenges it brings. His passion lies in empowering, educating, and advocating for his fellow flight attendants.

Randy Hatfield

Member