Bob Kraves
UA Ramp
Assistant General Chairperson - Four Year Term
Bob Kraves, Director of Education for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 141, in his capacity he researches, designs, develops and teaches union classes for Shop Stewards, Local Lodge officers, Grievance Committee members and other union representatives. He also writes a monthly education column for the District's newspaper, The Messenger.
Kraves worked as a Food Service Porter for United Airlines in Chicago from 1978 to 1984. He later transferred to Ramp Service, becoming Lead Ramp Serviceman in 1987. Kraves worked in Seattle during the 1990s, until he became the District's Education Director in 2000. Kraves became active in the union in 1993, when he was elected as Shop Steward with Local Lodge 1351 in Seattle. From 1995 to 1999, he held the position of Grievance Committee Secretary, representing Ramp Service workers, Storekeepers, Mechanics and Cabin Service workers. He later chaired the Grievance Committee from 1999 to 2000, and his duties expanded to include service to Reservation Center agents, Customer Service agents, City Ticket Office personnel and Load Planners in Seattle, Boise and Spokane.
During this period, Kraves chaired the Local 1351 Education Committee, co-created the Local Lodge's website, and wrote, published and distributed the monthly Local Lodge 1351 Steward Report. He also edited the 1351 Machinist newsletter.
Through the years, Kraves has been active in organizing drives and was elected as a Delegate to a number of District Lodge Conventions.Kraves is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Labor Studies at the National Labor College in Silver Springs, Maryland. .