Richard “Brad” Burson

Vice President - East, A New Direction 08

Richard Bradley Burson has gone by the name of Brad ever since he can remember. He has been with United Airlines for almost twenty-five years. Brad has had an extensive career with United starting as a temporary CSR in DSM and then moving to a part-time CSR position at ACV, DSM and DEN. He then became a ramp serviceman in DEN and in 1991 moved to OMA.
Brad has been an active member in his local lodge serving as Grievance Committee Chairman, Union Steward, Conductor/Sentinel, Strike Committee Chairman and informational picket captain in 2001.

He understands the need for involvement, "I realized something had to be done. The workplace was no longer fair to the employees. Management was not living up to the Agreements and acted as though we were employed at will."

As a delegate and member to the Nebraska State Council of Machinists, Nebraska State AFL-CIO and MNPL 141 Club member, Brad understands how important politics are to our union. He also recognizes that along with politics, organizing is more easily accomplished with happy members.

Brad firmly believes in the membership's sovereignty, "Leaders in the IAM should act as instruments to project the will of the membership." He further explained, "To accomplish this feat, leadership should be transparent and be able to have an open dialogue with the membership—they have the final word." Brad knows it is the obligation of leadership to present all the facts and information to the membership so they may make informed decisions about their future.

Brad is running for VP-East because service to the membership is paramount. He, along with other members of the new direction team, believes that the rank and file members should be able to approach any elected or appointed leaders in the IAM and seek answers to questions without fear of reprisal. He added, "It's not about one person's ambitions, it is about acting on the greater good of the membership."