IAM Local 1903M

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Location for the monthly business meeting: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 2600 Yorkmont Rd. Charlotte NC 28208, Conference room A&B. See the "Next Meeting" tab for more details.

MEMBERS IN ACTION

On Tuesday, February 17, Local 1903M presented Keith Dykstra with his retirement watch on his last day on property.

After Keith’s dedicated service in the Air Force, for eight years, he hired on with US Air in Detroit in 1989, then transitioned to Pittsburgh in 2000, then to CLT in 2005, finishing his career as a Crew Chief here on the Line, in Charlotte, North Carolina.


Scott Orloff (1903M Trustee) writes, “ it’s been an honor working with you throughout the years, best of luck in retirement Brother, we will miss you”.

 

John Hurst (left) presenting watch to Keith (right)


Of note, picture was taken with the United States Air Force Seal in the background, for obvious reasons.

 
New 2026 shop stewards being sworn in by our International Representative Will Cashion Congratulations and thank you for rising to the challenge!
19 February 2026
Local 1903M started off the New Year on the right foot, swearing in three new shop stewards for PSA Airlines. If those smiling faces are any indication, these new stewards are ready to hit the ground running. Thanks to everyone who came out at 7:30 AM to support the Local and especially these new stewards! – 15 January 2026
Local 1903M is honored to announce the recent retirement of Marty Welsh, one of our dedicated Quality Assurance Auditors. Marty retired with an impressive combined 40 years of service with AA.
Marty’s career journey included valuable time spent in our Tulsa and Pittsburgh (PIT) locations before concluding his distinguished tenure here in Charlotte (CLT). A retirement watch was formally presented by Local Trustee Scott Orloff during the celebration.
(Left Scott Orloff, right Marty Welsh, foreground Lynn Welsh (wife))

In celebration of our 2nd year anniversary as Local 1903M we sponsored a Food truck event at the CLT maintenance facilities!

Thursday, October 2nd, members from local 1903M who work for American Airlines and PSA airlines could each receive a ticket for a free meal, while additional food was available for purchase. This was a great event and it was nice to see the engagement from our members.

The 1903M Young Workers held their first Union Solidarity Night at the Charlotte Knights baseball game! 

It was a great turnout, with young members coming together to meet new people, build connections, and ask questions about how to get more involved in our union. The event gave everyone the chance to share ideas, strengthen solidarity, and enjoy a fun night at the ballpark.

A huge thank you to all the members of Local 1903M for your support in making this event a success. – 15 January 2026

 

To the Local 1903M Executive Board and Membership,

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to attend the 2025 District 142 Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC) Charity Golf Tournament, held on Friday,
September 12th in Phoenix, Arizona.
This year’s event was a great success, with an impressive turnout
and strong support from across the IAM community. It was a pleasure to compete alongside fellow Local 1903M members Bud Brown, Dana Birch, and Justin Spargo. Our foursome gave it our all—though our performance varied from shot to shot, we faced the
challenges of a tough course with determination and good humor. Thankfully, no clubs were broken or thrown!
IAM leadership from both the International and District and Local levels participated, showing their support not only on the course but also through generous contributions. We were proud to hear that this year’s tournament raised more funds than in previous years. Dora Cervantes even took home the award for longest drive!
One of the most moving moments of the day was hearing a heartfelt story from a veteran living with PTSD. She shared how, after losing hope and feeling alone, she was connected with GDA and received a service dog who changed—and saved—her life. Her gratitude to everyone involved, especially the IAM, was deeply inspiring.
As many of you know, the IAM co-founded GDA over 70 years ago, and it remains our union’s top charitable cause. We continue to support it through fundraising efforts both locally and nationally. I encourage everyone to learn more about this life-changing organization and consider getting involved.
Thank you again for your support and for making it possible for us to represent Local 1903M at this

meaningful event.

Fraternally,
Scott Orloff
Trustee, Local 1903M

Today, we celebrate someone truly remarkable. With more than 42 years of dedication, loyalty, and excellence, Bob Kerns is retiring.

For starters many may not know, but Bob has a degree in philosophy from UNC Charlotte.

At a very young age Bob began hanging around at his local airport and got the airplane bug. He also got the car racing bug, and for a time, drove rally cars, hearing rumors that he can drive like Steve McQueen on steroids.

Bob is an avid cyclist who has won multiple gold medals at the state games of North Carolina (our states version of the Olympics) on multiple occasions as well as winning the district championships at the Velodrome in Rock Hill, SC.

Bob began his career with Piedmont Airlines as an instructor at their A & P school in Winston-Salem. He had just graduated from there and already had a college degree and they hired him.

His legacy is not just in the work he has done, but in the lives he has touched. We are better because of you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Enjoy this next chapter with your college sweetheart, Elaine, two daughters and four grandchildren.

And finally, from Monty Python “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries” oh wait, I mean “I’m not dead yet” I’m retiring.

-you’ve more than earned it.

Union members Dale Potts and Timothy Flanigan Jr. along with supervisor Tom Aard performed the duties of CPR and first aid instructors for the mechanics of lodge 1903M

July 2025

1903M leadership attends the 2025 IAM district 142 Convention

If you or someone you know in the workplace needs confidential support, or needs to talk to anyone please do not hesitate to utilize the Employee Assistance Program by contacting:
Paul M. Shultz
704-907-3563

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