- Mar 10, 2010
- 39
- 1
Big scandal at APFA. The Treasurer will be stepping down on April 1, 2010:
March 8, 2010
Dear APFA Leadership and Membership:
It is necessary for me to notify you of the most important decision I have ever made as a flight attendant and a union official. I have given this decision incredible thought. I have sought advice and wisdom from those whom I most respect.
It is clear that it is best for our 18,000 flight attendants, the APFA and the union's leadership for me to resign as APFA Treasurer. This will take effect on April 1, 2010. My decision is irrevocable.
Just recently it became clear that several of my colleagues had concerns over my use of an APFA provided apartment in DFW. Long ago APFA decided that our National Officers who work fulltime at our Euless headquarters would be provided a no cost apartment if they reside outside the DFW metropolitan area. I have been living in such an apartment like my predecessors.
Yet, some sincerely and strongly believe that because I sold my house in Florida in November 2008, I am not entitled to have APFA provide me with an apartment. They view this housing as an unfair benefit to me since I pay no other housing cost and because I spend much of my time working in DFW.
I respectfully disagree. My legal residence is in a home shared with my mother in Florida. I am a legal resident of that state. Among other things, I am registered to vote there, my car is registered there and I pay taxes there. While it is true my mother does not charge me rent, it seemed appropriate to take her up on the offer to have me live with her. That was, and still is, a private family matter.
But this honest disagreement over my housing is not the point. Union leaders can have a legitimate disagreement.
What is the point is that this debate has the potential of dividing our attention. We can not ever allow APFA, and our flight attendant membership, to lose sight of our real target. We must smartly and strategically battle our company as we seek to restore our contract and protect our profession. Nothing could be more important.
So, I must do the right thing. I do not want this housing discussion to turn into a political distraction that turns our attention away from our contract campaign.
The greater good must prevail. I resign so we can get past the issue. We must continue to focus on the needs of the membership.
Further, even though I did nothing wrong and acted with the best of intentions based on my honest interpretation of APFA's policy, I choose to pay back the rent monies spent by APFA. This will fully put to rest any concerns some may have, and most importantly let me keep my good name.
I will of course fully assist in the transitions of my duties, and will make sure that all responsibilities in the Treasurer's Department are attended to during the transition. After the orderly transition it will be time for me to go back to where I began ˆ to the line. Let me assure you, that you can continue to count on me to be at every rally, stay united and be vocal in my support of our flight attendants.
In Unity,
Juan Barrera
March 8, 2010
Dear APFA Leadership and Membership:
It is necessary for me to notify you of the most important decision I have ever made as a flight attendant and a union official. I have given this decision incredible thought. I have sought advice and wisdom from those whom I most respect.
It is clear that it is best for our 18,000 flight attendants, the APFA and the union's leadership for me to resign as APFA Treasurer. This will take effect on April 1, 2010. My decision is irrevocable.
Just recently it became clear that several of my colleagues had concerns over my use of an APFA provided apartment in DFW. Long ago APFA decided that our National Officers who work fulltime at our Euless headquarters would be provided a no cost apartment if they reside outside the DFW metropolitan area. I have been living in such an apartment like my predecessors.
Yet, some sincerely and strongly believe that because I sold my house in Florida in November 2008, I am not entitled to have APFA provide me with an apartment. They view this housing as an unfair benefit to me since I pay no other housing cost and because I spend much of my time working in DFW.
I respectfully disagree. My legal residence is in a home shared with my mother in Florida. I am a legal resident of that state. Among other things, I am registered to vote there, my car is registered there and I pay taxes there. While it is true my mother does not charge me rent, it seemed appropriate to take her up on the offer to have me live with her. That was, and still is, a private family matter.
But this honest disagreement over my housing is not the point. Union leaders can have a legitimate disagreement.
What is the point is that this debate has the potential of dividing our attention. We can not ever allow APFA, and our flight attendant membership, to lose sight of our real target. We must smartly and strategically battle our company as we seek to restore our contract and protect our profession. Nothing could be more important.
So, I must do the right thing. I do not want this housing discussion to turn into a political distraction that turns our attention away from our contract campaign.
The greater good must prevail. I resign so we can get past the issue. We must continue to focus on the needs of the membership.
Further, even though I did nothing wrong and acted with the best of intentions based on my honest interpretation of APFA's policy, I choose to pay back the rent monies spent by APFA. This will fully put to rest any concerns some may have, and most importantly let me keep my good name.
I will of course fully assist in the transitions of my duties, and will make sure that all responsibilities in the Treasurer's Department are attended to during the transition. After the orderly transition it will be time for me to go back to where I began ˆ to the line. Let me assure you, that you can continue to count on me to be at every rally, stay united and be vocal in my support of our flight attendants.
In Unity,
Juan Barrera
