This edition of the IAM Journal Online Edition focuses on the November 2, 2004 election. Find out which politicians really care about protecting your family, your community, and your job.


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The airline industry tailspin caused United Airlines Rampserviceman Ralph Wingo to retire early. Pictured, from left, Ralph’s sons Ian, age 14 and Erik, age 16; Ralph Wingo and his spouse Sofia outside their home in Thornton, CO.

Ralph Wingo, United Airlines
When Denver, CO Local 1886 member Ralph Wingo started on the Ramp at United Airlines in 1975, he expected to retire one day with a defined pension benefit and not worry about his or his future family’s security. Or so he thought.

Ralph and his wife of 26 years, Sofia, and their children, 16 year-old Erik and 14 year-old Ian, now wonder what tomorrow may bring.
After 29 years at United, Ralph is taking early retirement. He’s not even sure what his benefits will be.

The job that Ralph loved is now a memory. “I loved my work. I couldn’t wait to go to work in the morning. But in the last two or three years, things just went downhill. I just couldn’t stand it anymore,” he said.

“We are being over-managed,” Ralph explained. “We’re overworked, understaffed and frustrated. New supervisors are younger than I am, act younger than my kids, and then try to tell me what to do.

“With only three people working a flight,” Ralph explains, “we do the work of five people. We receive the aircraft; unload the bags, freight and mail; load the aircraft with bags, freight, and mail; take care of the weights and measures of cargo; dispatch the aircraft and, of course, ensure the safety of the aircraft. But United doesn’t care.”

The pride of working for a premier airline has faded. Ralph, a once loyal employee, now distrusts United’s poor decisions and mismanagement. His last day was July 31st.

After three stressful years, retirement is a welcomed change. With his pension from United and his wife’s salary as a teacher, the Wingo’s will be able to take care of their family needs, at least for now. “I may have to get a job at 7-11, but that’s okay,” Ralph says.

His children are learning a lot about life. Through their dad’s example they have learned that where you work cannot define who you are or how you act. “United used to be a happy place but not anymore, it’s just a job,” he said, “My kids deserve a brighter future.”

As a newly retired IAM member, Ralph Wingo joins the ranks of thousands of retirees across the United States. He’s always voted, but this election year he’s going to try something new, becoming a political activist.

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