Mickey Hughes

Assistant General Chair (AGC)
Two-Year Term - A New Direction 08

Michael Hughes brings with him more than twenty nine years experience at US Airways, all of it in PIT. Mickey’s dad was president of his Steelworker’s local in the sixties. As a result, Mickey was able to see first-hand the role of an effective union representative. He has faithfully served the members of his local lodge as an organizer; member of the grievance committee; safety committee member and chairman; chairman of the Workers Compensation Committee; a shop steward, local lodge Educator; as well as delegate to District 141 conventions, Transportation Conferences and the 2004 Grand Lodge Convention.

Mickey is currently Local Lodge 1044 Vice President. In his twenty-nine years, Mickey has seen far too much in the way that management treats the members. He explained, “It is 2008 and we are living with 1985 wages. The bankruptcy contract we are forced to live with is an abomination to everything the union stands for.” Mickey knows the members’ need for information is crucial for the important life decisions that must be made.

As a delegate to the Allegheny County Labor Council and the Northwest Pennsylvania Labor Federation, Mickey understands the importance of legislation, representation and organizing. Each is an integral part of the union and necessary for the very survival. He added, “Gas prices are rising, currently it’s at $3.25 a gallon, milk is also at $4.50 a gallon. We have to collectively put pressure on all three areas so we can make our lives livable once again.”

Mickey is not one to attend meetings and go home at the end of the day, “It’s all about the membership. The truth is not always an easy thing to share. I’ve found that respect is earned when you share the hard truth while looking someone in the eye.”

Mickey and the New Direction team will be leaders the members can turn to and know the hard truth.