July 26, 2007 - Delegates to the 2007 Transportation Conference celebrated retired International President George Kourpias’ work on the Northwest Airlines Board of Directors. Air Transport District 143 and Northwest Airlines each presented tributes to Kourpias, who was unable to attend the conference due to an illness.
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District 143 President Stephen Gordon presents an award honoring former IAM International President George Kourpias’ efforts on behalf of Northwest Airlines members. IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, right, and IAM President Tom Buffenbarger accepted the award on behalf of Kourpias, who was unable to attend because of an illness.
“George Kourpias advanced the labor movement for all Americans,” said District 143 President Stephen Gordon, who noted the multitude of positions Kourpias has held since his early days as a member of Local 1637 in Sioux City, IA. “Your work on behalf of thousands of employees at Northwest Airlines will never be forgotten.”
Kourpias served on the Board from 1997 until the airline emerged from bankruptcy this past May. International President Tom Buffenbarger and General Secretary Treasurer Warren Mart accepted the presentations on Kourpias’ behalf.
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater also spoke as a guest at the conference, praising Kourpias as a friend and valued ally on the NWA board. Slater was first appointed by the IAM as a non-voting observer to the Board of Directors in 2005, and remains on the Board as an independent director.
