My name is Elizabeth Smith. I’m your current Recording Secretary and I’m running for re-election.

I’ve fought hard for organization, accountability, and better systems, and I’m proud of the work I’ve delivered. I work hard and I want to continue the work I started. I became the squeaky wheel, advocating not only for myself but for others. In September 2024, my efforts led to a $300,000 backpay payout for Members underpaid on their anniversary month during the early years of our contract.

When I took office, the company’s Inflight Seniority List was a disaster. There were dozens of names on the list who didn’t even work here. I created the Seniority Protest process to clean it up and give Members a voice.

I helped build and continue to manage our Local’s Member database. When hiring spiked, I manually input hundreds of Members a month, ensuring you got dues set up and stayed connected to Union communications. Today, nearly every Member receives updates. And that’s no accident.

I take and archive official meeting minutes, track motions, bylaw amendments, hiring data, and more. I document conversations with management. I’ve studied how other Locals run, including 556 (Southwest) and 577 (Allegiant), and brought best practices home. I created a process to monitor who is joining, leaving, or slipping through the cracks in Inflight. Because the company doesn’t.

I meet monthly with management to raise issues and solve problems before they hit the grievance process, vote on cases that go to arbitration, coordinate with Communications, approve expenses, and keep our records clean and accessible.

I fly the line. I know the contract language, the chaos of FLICA, the frustration of coverage awards, and the reality of 18 hour duty days. I don’t just bring theory to the Board, I bring experience. I’m blunt, I’m detail oriented, and I don’t waste time. I bring empathy, logic, and institutional memory to every vote I cast.

I got into this work because two friends became sick from fume events. That moment lit a fire in me. I founded a support group for affected crew, joined the TWU Ambassador Program, and helped lead contract education efforts until the ratification of TA2 in 2021. In 2022, that commitment to advocacy led me to become TWU Local 579’s first Recording Secretary.

I’m running again because this work matters. I want to keep fighting for a better quality of life and a stronger Union. I have the experience, precision, and commitment this role demands.

If you have questions or want to talk, please reach out. If you value results and effective leadership, vote Elizabeth Smith for Recording Secretary.