UPDATE: Neil Swindells has resigned.
Earlier today we reported that Captain Neil Swindells has been elected as the new union boss representing mainline pilots at United Airlines. Not everyone is happy about his accession, with one pilot sounding the alarm over Swindells’ alleged history of antisemitism, bigotry, and racism in online forums.
Neil Swindells Enters His New United Pilot Union Role Facing Accusations Of Misconduct
Within the pilot world there are several online communities through which pilots can discuss issues ranging from workplace policies to presidential elections. These online forums can bring out the uglier side of the profession and also represent a venue in which guards are lowered and exchanges are coarse and sometimes vulgar.
Swindells was voted in as the new Master Chair of the United Master Executive Council (MEC), a branch of the wider Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) union. But not everyone was cheering for his victory.
Captain Coleman T. Hamilton, who goes by the handle @FlyCaptColeman on Twitter, lashed out at the MEC President:
new chair of the @UnitedPilots who has a history of saying racist, bigoted and anti Semitic things online.The rest of his thousands of online forum posts are usually angry and mean spirited, but the gay jokes, DEI jokes and anti semitic comments cannot be ignored. MEC was warned
— CaptainColeman✈️ (@FlyCaptColeman) December 20, 2022
He also added:
I remain an advocate but cannot pretend we are a welcoming group that represents all pilots regardless of their true self. Very sad day to be a member. It will probably get worse before it gets better.
— CaptainColeman✈️ (@FlyCaptColeman) December 20, 2022
Another Twitter user under the handle @PilotOfUnited also called Swindells a racist, to which Coleman also noted that Swindells had also made disparaging remarks against women:
Don’t forget his comments about women as well! Yikes! He should resign immediately before doing any more damage. The MEC could say they didn’t know how bad it really was! #racist #bigot #dei #dfr
— CaptainColeman✈️ (@FlyCaptColeman) December 20, 2022
Another source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has provided Live and Let’s Fly screenshots that demonstrate the controversy. Swindells goes by the username “ChicagoBlue” in pilot forums:
Live and Let’s Fly has reached out to ALPA for comment.
Any MEC Chair who assumes his position with such a paper trail of online posting history can expect to find himself under the scrutiny Swindells now faces.
CONCLUSION
Captain Neil Swindells, the new United MEC Chair at ALPA, has been accused of a checkered history of posting incendiary comments online. Such controversy may hamper ALPA’s fight for a new contract with United Airlines after four years of failing to reach an agreement as well as sow division within the union. Swindell should publicly clarify his prior remarks as he assumes his new role.
So you’re taking tweets of some hyper woke pilot that accuse the new leader of being racist but not actually showing what he supposedly said? Shane on you.
I was presented with proof from another source in addition to what this pilot tweeted.
I am not shure but that guy, but as a pilot for ual I can tell you that this is the most racist airline I ever worked for.
This seems like a total jerk. If that the best the Pilots can do shame on them. As a proud union member I know this is not the best
RE-CAL-CI-TRANT
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
“a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds”
If there was a picture included with a dictionaries definition of this word, it would have Captain Neil Swindells posted right beside it.
In an ALPA Article VIII charges case against Captain Swindells, brought by two respectable/honorable leaders of the union, the legal team of ALPA deemed Swindells a “recalcitrant recidivist” and gave him 2 weeks suspension from any ALPA Forums. This is around 12 years ago. Swindells was not rehabilitatable, and like Jacob Marley continued to add to the chain he built for himself. Captain Swindells sowed the seeds of his own downfall.
It is rumored he’s been hauled in a few times by UAL HR for disciplinary hearings, but he’s still at UAL. Who he knows must be someone high up, because flight attendants and pilots have been fired for far less under “The Working Together Guidelines” rules to deal with this type of employee. CEO Scott Kirby must be giving him a pass.
If people complain about him for these reasons it means he is probably is the better choice and might be a decent person. Anyone who says DEI is ridiculous through jokes has my vote. The majority of people don’t buy into the DEI propaganda of forced indoctrination and anti Christian hate. Our enemies want us like zombies glorifying their ways. If this guy will actually look out for normal Pilots and stick up for Christian rights, he might be ok. We’ve seen many accusations of anti Christian discrimination against airlines and even unions in the last few years. Putting someone in who doesn’t antagonize Christians is a start.
Yeah, this is it. I’m just praying that he’ll be able to stop the oppression of white male Christian pilots that has plagued the American aviation industry for years.
A bunch of white male pilots just heard a whoosh sound.
To be fair, Captain Swindells path his own lustrous path in union politics. Some people claim he was smeared, but in the end it was simple politics that took Swindells down.
Link 1 covers this same article with an prologue on his past leading up to this moment: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-f-barton-jr-b06a1883_new-united-airlines-pilot-union-leader-accused-activity-7011020119011205120-T7yR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Link 2 lists his resignation letter less than 48hrs after being elected. At least Swindells can claim he’s the greatest MEC Chairman in the history of ALPA, giving not one concession away to the company: under same profile look for Captain Swindells resigns
2: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-f-barton-jr-b06a1883_harrassment-flying-pilotlife-activity-7013210585429422080-ej61?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Captain Swindells was like any flushable politician we’ve seen go down the drain over the years. He would have been the most terrible union leader ever. Sadly the union at United Airlines has become an unprofessional group of stooges, and Swindells was part of creating the stooge mentality over the last 25 years. He also hated military pilots – call it jealously – call it unamerican – whatever … he voted against a hardship case for a military member (F-18 pilot) serving in the gulf after 9/11.
The only way we were able to help the military pilot was to invoke a parliamentary measure of “recorded vote” – then Swindells changed his tune because he knew his name would be public. This is just one example.
Matthew did a great job on this article, and further a greater service to all United Airlines pilots. It is rumored over 4000 more posts of Swindells were sent to the company after his election. It is also rumored the UAL BOD rejected the idea of Swindells sitting in the Board – a negotiated perk that the pilots elected Chairman enjoys.
Captain Coleman has pronouns in his twitter profile,
That alone is all the proof you need to ignore his calls of “racism” and “antisemitism”.
You fell for his “look at me” bait just like you fell for Joe Biden in the last election. please dont fall for this crap
But I had screenshots as well…
This is a dumb post. No sourcing but some tweets by one guy? Stick to collecting Lufthansa ducks, hun.
What makes you think I don’t have additional proof?
Then cite your proof. Why withhold it?!
refresh. Article was updated with screenshots.
Poorly researched article. Wasn’t CA Swindells nominated and seconded for the chair position by two women? Curious fact for a misogynist bigot.
Your source is a single Twitter handle which isn’t even publicly linkable. Nor are there any links to the ‘thousands’ of online posts. Maybe it’s true, I don’t have skin in this game, but stick to commenting on the passenger experience, not casting political judgement.
Another overpaid, turn on the auto-pilot 5 minutes after takeoff, 80 hours a month union guy. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Intelligent comment. Thx.
It seems to me that if there are screenshots and it doesn’t reveal your source that it would be prudent to post them here. If it would jeopardize your source though I would certainly understand the reasoning. These are pretty serious allegations and I have a hard time imagining given society today that if true he would be raised to a level where scrutiny is going to be with magnifying glass instead of casual.
Oh, it appears you just did post them. Oops.
Let’s not forget that Captain Coleman was recalled by the group of pilots he was elected to represent due to negligence and ignoring the needs and desires of those pilots. In no way do I tolerate racism, misogyny, intolerance, but coming from someone who has just been fired from his job…this is bitterness and Coleman’s internal hatred rearing it’s ugly head! Go fly the line Captain Coleman and remember what it’s like to be a pilot!
You are using a compromised source and played into a smear campaign. Your source you quote was overwhelmingly recalled by his local council. The disgraced union rep then attempted to run for another office and didn’t even make the second ballot. The disgraced former rep now enjoys a management position with all the benefits only a turncoat would expect after betraying the pilots that elected him. This disgraced former rep also gave the nomination speech for the candidate that holds the distinction of holding the most landslide loss in ALPA National election history. In other words Mr Klint, you just got used and published a click bait article. Congratulations on having zero credibility.
Not sure of the context, but many of them show an astonishing savvyness and insight into union politics and his passion to represent the pilots. Yes, he’s vulgar about it but he also seems “real”.
I asked about why there were special “groups” in a corporate townhall and I was told by the executive that members of those protected categories wanted “safe spaces” to talk amongst each other. What does “safe space” mean? I suppose that if they were saying offensive and racist things, they wouldn’t want to be held accountable as if they were saying them in the general corporate environment so namely, the only ones who aren’t “safe” are those who don’t belong to one of the protected categories either inside or outside of their protected enclaves.
In the increasingly Orwellian corporate environment, I learned to keep my ears open and document carefully what people said because if they later tried to pull politics on me, I’d need to have something to “whataboutism” them back.
It’s further amusement for me that a union leader for one of the most professional groups of people in the world, airline pilots, can sound like a trucker Teamster. Our common humanity…
I saw the comments, they are pretty bad. And i am not a woke person. I am the opposite, i think, I read Fox, voted for Trump, and am a conservative. Before you post a comment below picking on me, look in the mirror first and try to not call yourself a bully.
Neil Swindels is a horrible human and anyone that has ever interacted with him would agree. Dark days for United pilots when this is the best you could do.
As a United Pilot for 33 years, a Captain at United for 22 years, a woman, and a founding member of the forum these posts were taken from, I can tell you they are taken out of context and are submitted by malcontents who were recalled as a result of their failed leadership. They brought the United Pilot Group a concessionary contract after 4 years of negotiations, then doubled down and delayed the 94% NO vote on it by 4 months. They suffered the consequences of their failed leadership and further try to destroy the futures of United Pilots.
Appreciate your comment Ms. Cox. I want to accurately report and am happy to put these quotes in context if you care to provide it.
You, sir, took the word of one individual with an agenda and tried to ruin another as a result. Why didn’t you seek out the entire threads instead of relying on screenshots? This smacks of yellow journalism.
Ah good the anti vax crowd has emerged to support fellow forum bomb thrower. Capt Cox why is ur name always in open time exactly?
I am not sure being “anti-vax” is an insult but rather badge of honor at this point. The best thing about being a conspiracy theorist is not having myocarditis. Also, I saw Josh Yoder from AA on FOX last night and was happy to see a pilot speaking the truth.
How some airlines pilots are standing up to COVID vaccine mandates: U.S. Freedom Flyers president Joshua Yoder explains how COVID-19 vaccine mandates have affected pilots nationwide https://www.foxnews.com/video/6317477707112
“There certainly is legal recourse. It is illegal to mandate an emergency use authorization drug. What they did was criminal and they broke the law when they did it. And there must be accountability.” -Josh Yoder, American Airlines. Formerly of Mesa Airlines and Piedmont Airlines. U.S. Army veteran.
Exactly..
True journalism has been on the decline for years. And Mr matthew klint decided to jump on a popular bandwagon and try to smear someone who doesn’t “fit” in the PC woke world.
I am happy that we have a true unionist on board and until he does something to lose my support with regards to achieving an Industry Leading Contract 2023, he has my support.
A couple of pilots (ie, cole t. hamilton and maybe others) tried to use an outside media source to get back at some, so be it. Shame on them, and shame on you.
But you, Mr klint should have known better than to take screen shots from someone who has been put up for Recall within his own council.
The Legacy United Pilots have a long history… some of which is dark. But being a True Unionist isn’t easy and it has become much much harder in this “supposedly” clean, woke world some of you are trying to push.
100%
A true journalist looks for the whole story–not just post some juicy click bait posts from a private forum.
You’re free to fill in the gaps. I asked ALPA for comment…
I’m not a “journalist” trying to publish a click-bait hit piece.
Matthew has never presented himself as a journalist. He’s just a blogger presenting his take on things. If he wrote for a newspaper everything would be in the opinion pages. That said he usually does his best to present all sides of an issue to the extent he can.
Matthew,
I agree w Capt Cox that these comments are being presented WAY out of context. Capt Swindells was always criticized on those forums for being TOO WOKE and expressing his unionist and often left-leaning views. Now the malcontents want to paint him as a racist/misogynist? Without adequate context you are unfortunately and unwittingly being used to push an agenda.
I’d say you should ask his long-time colleague Wendy Morse, a United Captain who is now the ALPA National First Vice President, if Neil is a misogynist or racist. I’m certain you’ll come away with a different perspective.
PS – The primary malcontent who is sending you this stuff is one of the disgruntled local union representatives who was just recalled because he supported the failed contract proposal.
Please consider the source. And ask him why he had the cops called on him at a union meeting in 2022.
Your source should probably take a look inward with the misogynist comments. Did he tell you about Donutgate?
And, come on, Live and Let’s Fly. Do better. A disgruntled former no-name MEC rep. from Denver is sad he lost his Union job and chooses to lash out.
You have anything other than a mad employee with an axe to grind? Because this is weak.
Are you guys a gossip column now? I’d expect this from TMZ or Perez Hilton.
(Insert witty hashtag here)
DCAPilot
Mr Klint,
Please explain the reason for this article and your association to Coleman Hamilton?
I don’t have any association with him. I am simply reporting what I believe to be newsworthy as United pilots elect a new union leader.
Instead of wasting time on this clickbait, how about covering the big change coming to the First Class Terminal for Lufthansa, as reported by ‘you have been upgraded’
Give me a chance – I wrote this story last night.
Matthew
You got played in a union politics post by one side, I have know Neil for 25 plus years, he is definitely not a racist or a misogynist. What he is for sure, a tell it like it is person who does not sugar coat his opinion. I believe his upbringing in England made him have that sharp tongue, I have been told they had verbal jousts on the school playground 50 years ago where we here in the US just slugged it out in a playground fight 50 years ago. They (UK) are better with words and can be downright mean. We in the US have become so sensitive to what others say we our offended by everything anymore ( i.e. you article ).
Here is just a crazy idea, Maybe you should ask to talk with Neil thru the communication channels and ask him about the posts and context, ask him about his plans, and make a judgment on him after that, then write about that.
Or you can do what most writers/bloggers do, post inflammatory items, get clicks, make money because as most know that’s what its really about anymore, truth and accuracy is a distant second/third in modern America media.
P.S. Once again you are being fed information from one side of a Union fight, you picked one side to publish material from, we all know the truth is usually in the middle.
P.P.S. If you had ever met Rick Dubinsky you would have walked away crying, he even scared me.
You’re carrying the water for people to have an axe to grind with screenshots. If you’re not in possession of the entire conversation ask yourself if that’s okay and reporting that meets reasonable standards.
Would you post screenshots of a video without seeing a video? This is poor journalism by someone who is looking to be first to the party of someone’s canceling.
Sickening tbh.
Agreed
captain Coleman,
You have no honor. To boot, you run to an anti-union publication.
Interesting hearing his supporters chime in. I have no skin in the game with this but am following it nonetheless as it’s a fascinating story. Have no idea if the guy is a racist or other. But one thing stands out to me is that his language and writing is more conducive to a high school locker room and not appropriate for someone with such a leadership position. Is he 14? Seems to me that even more than he is or he isn’t this or that is the obvious that he has no decorum or qualities for leadership. His language and tone even make me question him as a pilot. Seems a bit unhinged.
Agreed. Would love to see how his comments can be explained.
Mr. Klint,
So now you’re a pilot’s union political commentator? I thought you did stuff like, “look at this first class ‘meal'” and “here’s how the frequent flyer program is changing’. Is this your first foray into union politics for airlines? I’m sincerely curious.
I’ve written about these sorts of issues for years.
Would you please post links to said articles? Thanks
Use the search tool on the right side. Start with “ALPA”
After a cursory glance through titles, I didn’t see anything related to internal union politics and hit pieces.
try ‘Sara Nelson’
I see you posted a bunch of screenshots. When do you plan to post the screenshots that support claims of “RACISM, MISOGYNY, ANTISEMITISM”? I assume there must be a lot more screenshots that support your headline, because nothing you’ve posted so far does that.
Wow, Talk about desperation for content.
I’m still looking for the details of the Mesa deal, considering there has been a pay scale in the ALPA contract for the CR9, as well as the EMB-190 and -195 for over decade and might be a topic of real interest to both UA pilots and the aviation community.
Online writers have to learn that it’s perfectly okay to post “I Got Nothing Today.”
I see at the end of the article you reached out for comment. I know very little about journalism ethics, but usually I read journalists that waited for comment before publishing. Perhaps you could have included some comments from supporters and given the whole story instead of quickly publishing some juicy hit piece.
There will be time for a follow-up if ALPA chooses to respond. However, I felt that the comments themselves, regardless of any ALPA response, were worthy of a story.
Nice.. judge , jury and executioner. You must be fun at a dinner party. No thanks.
This has been an interesting post, not because of the article (really have no care, either way) but all the supporters of this new union leader coming out of the woodwork (more than half of these guys aren’t regulars on the blog) and Matthew being more defensive than normal.
That is because the article is a hit piece with a single source of information taken out of context. If you like tabloid material, then enjoy, but this is not informative or even worthy of “journalism”. It’s highly unprofessional to go to “print” with something like this.
Are pilots being defensive? Absolutely. People get defensive when they’ve been “hit” by tabloids.
How is his language, unhinged banter, and “locker room talk” (as if he is 14 y/o) out of context? Constant swearing, threatening language, unhinged behavior is rarely out of context. Not debating if he is a racist or not….I have no idea. But no doubt he is clearly unfit for leadership roles, let alone a pilot in command of the lives of our loved ones.
Matthew, welcome to the world of union politics. You have been used by a disgruntled ex union representative. He was recalled by his peers for (being kind) under performance. This is a world you don’t want to be in. I would recommend you cut bait and go back to reporting real issues. Your article is a hit job and nothing else. I hope that was not your intent.
How can saying that you want people to die terrible deaths be explained away with “context?” Did he not imply that a male pilot vs. a female demonstrates a position of dominance? Did he not make gay jokes? I’d be delighted if anybody who can provide “context” were to share this with Matthew, but I doubt that will happen. I think this guy is probably a bit of a jerk who never learned the lesson that everything you publish online eventually becomes public.
If I posted any of this stuff on a public forum and it came out after I received a very public promotion, I’d rightfully be fired.
Dear Mr Klint:
You are most certainly being used by Coleman Hamilton and his boss, former Master Chairman Todd Insler. Insler was the ALPA United Master Chairman for six years. His term ended in February 2022. Mike Hamilton then became Master Chairman, but resigned due to family health issues. Neil Swindells is now Master Chairman.
A brief history:
Insler passed a concessionary agreement in 2020. He had a 15-4 advantage on the MEC (Master Executive Committee) and Coleman Hamilton was one of his 15 sycophants. Swindells was one of the vocal opponents of this 2020 concessionary agreement that passed with a 58% yes vote.
Fast forward to 2022. Insler out in February, and his hand picked protégé Hamilton takes up where he left off. In April 2022 or thereabouts, Hamilton presents the United pilots with ANOTHER concessionary agreement. Swindells is also vocally opposed to this concessionary deal. So is C11 Vice Chair Anne Worster, who is part of the 4 vote minority against Insler/Mike Hamilton that is now being called The Cabal by Insler’s sycophants.
This agreement is so inadequate and the response is so negative that management tells Mike Hamilton they don’t mind if the vote gets extended to November. Incredibly Hamilton agrees! It eventually gets turned down with a 94% NO vote.
In the meantime, Coleman Hamilton has his own misadventures with his alleged harassment of C11 VC Anne Worster. From her 7/18/22 C11 Update:
The Lack of MEC Meeting Decorum:
Vigorous discussion and debate should be encouraged in any representational body. Such interactions can occur without sacrificing civility and decorum. Unfortunately, recent MEC meetings have not maintained the decorum expected in a professional business setting.
Without any evidence, a Rep rushed across the room to accuse me of leaking the TA in its entirety and threatened to take me to the lawyers. I encouraged him to do so.
Just prior to the opening of last week’s meeting, this same Rep plopped a box of stale donuts and a jar of sprinkles on my closed computer as I was sitting at the MEC table. It was not a collegial prank or joke. It was a menacing display. He put on an orchestrated show for his buddies across the room as they all watched and sniggered. It is hard to believe these are grown men.
In a complete lack of decorum, Reps have yelled expletives across the room in my direction multiple times. This is not how professionals behave.
At last week’s meeting, I was accosted by a very angry Rep in the hallway. His behavior was so physically threatening that I feared he was going to strike me. The local police and ALPA National are both conducting investigations. The Rep was flown home mid-week.
I have asked the MEC Chair repeatedly to enforce civility and decorum at our meetings, but he has failed to do so.
**Coleman Hamilton is the donut person described above, allegedly.**
Eventually Coleman Hamilton gets recalled in the fall of 2022, along with several others, reversing the Insler/Mike Hamilton 15-4 majority to a 10-9 minority. October 2022 comes, and Todd Insler is soundly rejected by the ALPA BOD in his bid for ALPA President and is denied ANY position whatsoever. In fact, his political rival Wendy Morse, who was also part of the 4 vote minority called the Cabal, is elected ALPA First VP. This is a stunning and humiliating defeat for Insler.
Eventually, Mike Hamilton’s Vice Chairman resigns after Thanksgiving, followed by mass resignations by other MEC Committee members, followed by Master Chairman Mike Hamilton himself. Swindells is elected Master Chairman, and now you’re being misdirected by the failed Insler/Hamilton/Hamilton group. This story is nothing more than a political hit job by a group of failed representatives who were rejected and recalled for their corruption and incompetence.
There’s always more to the story, so I hope I’ve added a little clarity to these turbid waters. Thank you.
The Cabal
Ideal republican candidate defended in the comments section by pathetic losers maga deplorables.
Just another day in this country.
Who has more myocarditis and blood clots.. your side or MAGA deplorables? While I wouldn’t wish health issues on anyone, we do have the right to say “we told you so”. Because we did. And if that makes us deplorables, so be it. And while I am not MAGA, I guess you could say I am proud to be a deplorable who is free of these health concerns. Deplorable Proud.
Who has died of covid at a higher rate since the introduction of vaccines? I’ll just go ahead and answer it for you… Maga deplorables. But hey, keep on dieing to own the libs… if enough of you die I might feel owned lol.
The death stats and overall COVID numbers are all BS.. everyone knows that. Per the CDC, not many actually die from COVID itself but die from to five/six other comorbidities. People died in car accidents but their death was attributed to COVID. One example of millions. A true joke, and you should know that by now. The rest of us do. Old news. Plus Elon is bringing Fauci down next.. see you then. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1603804175858429952
coup de grâce, noun, a final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal.
Oh my god hahaha… Elon isnt bringing anyone down but himself. I won’t waste much time because you are truly lost, but explain to me the millions of excess deaths… Every year the amount of deaths is predictable, but 2020 and 2021 there were 15 million excess deaths. You’re telling that was all car accidents and fat people dieing at extraordinary rates? Gtfoh…
You dingleberries might have done better in the midterms if a bunch of you didn’t die to own the libs. Lol
Elon has already brought down many people with the Twitter files. And that is only the tip of the iceberg per him — much more to come. As far as elections, we would have done better if we didn’t use voting machines where no one understands the code and backdoors and vote flip abilities. Anyone who trusts voting machines needs their head examined. Especially you and George Soros, apparently. Let’s see what happens with the Arizona trial this week. Worst case, it goes to SCOTUS.
As far as excess deaths, again, are the numbers correct? Doubtful, but if so, I’d attribute most of it to the mRNA cocktail and the fact that everything is being poisoned by land, air, and sea — food, water, meds, et al
What a stupid response. China is currently experiencing a wave of death and hospitalization overload after relaxing the zero COVID policy. Please be informed with the big picture and without being arrogant.
It is also quite “refreshing” to hear a proposal that we should avoid automation in a digital era. Maybe we should ditch emails and comments for pen and paper.
Seriously, Mr Klint, I have known Captain Swindells for 20+ years and he is none of those things mentioned above. Yes, he possesses a sharp wit and a razor tongue, but he’s English, so what can you expect?
All joking aside, Coleman Hamilton is not credible and has even been accused of some of the behaviors (allegedly) you are now helping him accuse Swindells of. As others have mentioned above, these posts have been taken WAY out of context, as I and many others participated in those conversations. I can tell you that I am willing to testify in court as to Captain Swindells’ character and integrity, and that he is certainly possesses nine of those negative traits described above.
I respect your experience as a journalist, but if there was ever a time to pull an article, this would be it.
I can tell you that I am willing to testify in court as to Captain Swindells’ character and integrity, and that he certainly possesses none of those negative traits described above
Wow – this is fascinating. Not just the article – but the fact that the comments section blew up.
I have no skin in the game and think this article is eye-opening and interesting.
But the comments PROVE that trolls who are desperate to protect a work culture that allows (even encourages?) racism, misogyny, anti LGBTQ rhetoric to thrive will COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK to protect their own.
I mean this comment really stands out: “I’m just praying that he’ll be able to stop the oppression of white male Christian pilots that has plagued the American aviation industry for years.” What does religion have to do with being a pilot?
Honestly, well done Matthew. Nothing hurts more than truth – and when people react like this, you know you’re getting closer to something that people don’t want exposed. Keep going!
The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values.. beliefs of liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law. and more. If people are concerned about Christian pilots, let them be. It’s within their rights. The persecution of Christians is alive and well worldwide.. I’m sure you’d like that to occur here, too.
Sorry pal, Christians aren’t being persecuted, they are getting pushback from pushing their beliefs on others. Don’t agree with abortion? Fine, don’t get one, but don’t let a woman die because she is having a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) and needs care.
Don’t like porn? Fine don’t watch it, but don’t ban it like Republicans in congress are trying to do.
Pretty soon people are going be seeking refuge in Afghanistan to live under a more progressive regime than American “Christians”
Christian’s are persecuted worldwide.. especially in the past few years. This is well documented. I didn’t make the abortion decision. Regarding Afghanistan, I’m not sure who is going there. “Have you ever thought about the fact that the US government spent $2.313 trillion, more than 6,000 American lives, and 20 years in Afghanistan just to replace the Taliban with… the Taliban?” https://twitter.com/brad_polumbo/status/1604582714627301378
Two trillion (2,000,000,000,000) is the equivalent of 2,000 billion or 2 million millions
You missed the sarcasm in that comment?
I see a lot of comments about how these screenshots are out of context. I don’t think that really matters in this case. These are still very extreme words that contain antisemitism, bigotry, and racism. Even with context, any context, these comments would not be accepted.
All of his comments against DEI show that he is against it. Fir example, instead of attacking the EMirates partnership on things like government subsidies or more tangible things, he attacks that the woman pilot is a “money shot for DEI” Just why??
Matthew, do you have any insight into election procedures or the internal politics that lead to him getting elected? I would love to learn more about the unions and how he got to the be the MEC chair
My fellow Ual pilots,
Matt mentions he had another source. On the surface I thought this was simply the angry west coast SFO LEC and some of the recalled reps trying to get even.
BUT I am almost embarrassed that it took me a few hours to realize that Matt is working FOR UAL management and the labor strategy dept trying to undermine our Union and our new contract. It is right out of the union busters playbook. Matt gets benefits from UAL, yes I have actually seen him at a route launch and the managers sucking up to him and other writers/bloggers. Receiving items, early access and perks ( I wonder if he gets unlimited First Class travel like some ex MEC chairman did? )
So my fellow aviators I hypothesize Matt is simply a tool…. for management to undermine our unity and to delay us from getting a contract that is 4 years overdue. Further, we should ignore him and his ilk that are working for and being manipulated by upper management.
Thoughts?
Wow, you guys are paranoid as heck! As someone who has been reading Matthew’s blog for years this is the most hilarious and bizarre comment I have seen in awhile. No wonder you’re all so unhinged like this guy, Swindell. Explains a lot. Thanks for the laugh though as it’s sooo funny to read these.
— IF — Matthew is part of UAL, he certainly isn’t going to admit that here.
Oh my goodness – this is amazing! The trolls to discount Matthew’s reporting make me believe every word Matthew says – why else would they be so up in arms. It’s so obvious.
At first I dismissed the idea that Matthew is a UAL tool, but then I read through the comments section of his other article. Go take a look at the article about our new MEC Chairman and notice how Matthew defends Kirby. Perhaps he’s not just a tool of Coleman Hamilton but a paid tool for Kirby too (there’s a term for that). Look on the bright side Matt – your blog hasn’t seen this type of action since…well ever.
Don’t flatter yourself sweetheart.
Cute. It’s ok for you to be misogynistic, I see. Perhaps someone should send screenshots of this conversation to one of the major papers or blogs…the irony!
You called him “sweetheart” what does that mean ? I am offended , see how it works, hope that does not come back to haunt you in the future.
I still thing you are being used by labor strategy either willfully or maybe you are just obtuse.
I have no issue with this article. In fact I think it’s good to shine light on this man’s language and issues, so that people like him have nowhere to hide.
I must say though that calling men in your comments section “sweetheart” seems a little problematic. I know it’s not your intention but implying someone isn’t masculine (hence the feminine nickname “sweetheart”) implies that men need to be masculine and that the ridicule more feminine men face around the world is warranted. Maybe a simple “sorry you feel that way” or “sorry you missed the point” would be better?
Back to the main topic, thanks for the article.
Masculinity is an absolute necessity in our culture today. We need it and we need more of it. Indeed, it comes in various forms. But toxic masculinity, often manifested in bullying, should have no place in society. I can smell a pathetic sycophant a mile away and my point was not to address masculinity at all but to dress down an obnoxious comment.
No H/T from Forbes. That doesn’t seem fair.
All of these screenshots come from the same forum, http://www.unitedpilots.org.
This forum was created after Todd Insler threatened legal action against the United pilot forum run by Andrew Lager and also the forums on Airline Pilot Central. I heard the owner set it up outside of US jurisdiction to avoid legal threats from Insler.
It’s pretty clear these screenshots were taken by an Insler sycophant with the initials MJ. MJ himself was removed from his ALPA sinecure for allegedly harassing the female staff at the MEC offices. Allegedly .MJ passed these screenshots on to Coleman Hamilton, who ALSO has history of harassment. Allegedly. Coleman Hamilton passes them up to Todd Insler, who then passes them on to management or directly to this web publication. Allegedly.
As far a Chairman Swindells is concerned, he had posted 4200+ times on this forum, and received 6000+ likes, a forum record for likes. FACT.
The forum has over 1500 members, many of which are Jewish, women and minorities. FACT.
To my knowledge, Chairman Swindells has faced ZERO United Human Resources inquiries or investigations for misogyny, antisemitism or racism. FACT.
One would think Chairman Swindells would have faced disciplinary charges from United HR is he was indeed a misogynist, anti-Semite or racist.
Just the facts. END OF STORY.
Do they teach you all at thug-school to use ALL CAPA? This doesn’t help make your tone any more civil, or your points any more lucid. FACT.
It’s scary that planes are flown by these competitive, primitive bullies.
Here’s some more caps for you:
STFU and GFY
Hold that.
420o posts and 6000 likes? Not sure how an average of whatever that is, 1.3 likes per post (math is hard) is somehow a source of pride and affirmation? So let’s see, a certain percentage of these pilots like and enjoy unhinged lunatics ranting and swearing like they are 14, hmm, I hope they are never flying the plane my daughter is on.
Unions are cancer, exhibit #4,296.
The guy is unpleasant in the extreme, but the whole intra-union discourse is about loyalty, revenge, respect for seniors, and consequences for breaking with the group, regardless of the merit of one’s position. All very mob-like.
I don’t think the content of anything he wrote was truly that awful. But his tone and demeanor are frightening.
I don’t know who should head a mobbed you union. But boy am I glad this buoy is not flying my plane.
Most of the answers I read here follow the same anti-gay, anti-woman, pro-white male prejudices as the union leader is accused of. Interesting…
Thank you for writing such an important article. It is disgusting to see all the racists and conspirazoids lose it in the comments.
I personally would never feel comfortable in a plane flown by a pilot with such bad judgement, to say the least. I hope he gets deregistered.
Why can’t we all get along? If you need to relax, check out my Colt Studio videos. If you need to become a millionaire, check me out under Christopher Mitchell.
I am called the GOAT for a reason.
Are you and Todd Insler friends? See you were one of 8 who ‘liked’ a post on Twitter.
Nice favor.
Neil is a leader. About time for someone who is.
Which post is that?
I knew Neil when we were both instructing young pilots, years before either of us would become an airline pilot. People are fragile. When I see such fragility among airline pilots, I cringe. Neil is about as pro-labor/pro-union as they come. Neil came to my defense in the nascent of years of my professional piloting career. He has exceptionally thick skin; you have to with many a manger to be sure.
This is simply the mob coming after Capt. Swindells because it is fashionable to do so. He is perhaps, the devil one knows, over the devil he doesn’t. Neil doesn’t put up with BS, and has remarkably high standards for himself and those around him. Particularly in the dynamic and sometimes high-stress environment that we operate in. The accusations are just an extension of grievance culture, honed over a quarter-century.
Agree. Captain Swindells is of the highest calibre. I flew with him 21 years ago. Nothing but a true professional.
By the way, I’m brown skinned and there was hardly any woke culture back then. Never ever thought of him as a racist.
Well since my name is mentioned I will set the record straight as it refers to my forum.
1. Neil was not kicked off due to threatened law suits. I get lawsuits threatened by people all the time, they fail to understand how social media platforms are protected by law from what posters post. Neil was kicked off due to his caustic posts and was warned multiple times to stop.
2. The Cabal started up as a “no censoring forum” (I’ll assume by Garry Kravit) when Neil and Garry got kicked off my forum. You can see what happens when there is little to no moderation on a forum (e.g. Neils posts)
3. By ommision in the post by “the Cabal”, Neil has been called in by UAL HR for his posts on my forum (this was by Neil’s own admission).
4. Generally speaking we don’t like screenshots of posts taken off the forum, but we really can’t stop it, that is why we warn peopld not to post caustic posts. Neil may be a fine person in person, but his online persona is extremely combative, caustic, and demeaning.
5. Social media is the best and worse thing to happen to society.
My two cents on this issue, and I’ll sign my own name, I have nothing to hide.
Who cares? I’m a minority, and I’m sick of DIE being shoved down our throats, and so are many of my coworkers who are also minorities… No one wants to speak up, though for fear of losing our jobs, our livelihoods… It’s sad that it’s gotten to that point. DIE is everywhere in corporate America, unfortunately. I’m sure United and ALPA have bigger fish to fry…
Also, there’s nothing racist, misogynistic, or antisemitic about this pilot’s posts… Again, people need to stop getting their panties in a bunch and focus on real problems!
A leopard does NOT change its spots just because it becomes a Union Boss
As an airline pilot for 25+ years, I am ashamed to see that so many of our younger generation of pilots are so weak, sensitive, and easily offended by a little “rough and tumble” vernacular. Swindels’ forum posts have always been direct, honest, and sometimes a bit coarse. His manner doesn’t affect anybody that doesn’t choose to read the forum, so let it go — and for God’s sake, eat some protein and grow a pair.
Its not that the posts are “rough, vernacular” etc and should be tolerated.
Its that they veer into stupidly misogyny, hint at antisemitism, and generally show someone who needs to be cool calm and collected veering into apoplexy.
Dumb to do on a public form, especially if you want anyone to consider you a leader.
(Tosses folder into garbage). Next.
Fascinating – both the reporting and level of polarization in the comments. Having looked over what are presumably a representative selection of this guy’s posts that have been cited as evidence, I can’t say that I was particularly offended. By far the worst one appears to be directed at drug traffickers, rather than any other group, which may be the source of his complaint about context. He’s clearly an online blowhard, but I think many people have become far too sensitive to any perceived slight.
That said, this is an entirely self-inflicted wound, and does call into question the subject’s judgement and temperament. It is naive and foolish to post these kinds of juvenile comments, whether anchored in truth or not, if one has any aspiration to elected office, because it leaves one open to exactly this type of criticism.