MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Garrett Gebauer

District 142 is proud to shine our next Member Spotlight on Garrett Gebauer, a dedicated 25-year member of IAM Local 601 and a passionate advocate for safety and fairness at Alaska Airlines. Working at the Anchorage (ANC) station as a Lead Ramp Serviceman (LRSSA), Garrett also serves as a District 142 Safety Representative and Local 601 Vice President, bringing years of experience and steady leadership to his sisters, brothers, and siblings on the job.

Garrett’s union journey began with a simple but powerful motivator: witnessing members’ contractual rights being violated. Standing up for fairness sparked his involvement, and he hasn’t looked back since. From his earlier role as Shop Committee Chair to his current union leadership positions, Garrett has built a reputation as someone who shows up for the membership every single day.

When asked what being part of IAM District 142 means to him, Garrett’s pride is unmistakable. He speaks often about protecting the well-being of frontline workers and ensuring everyone returns home safely. That commitment is deeply personal. His four daughters motivate him each morning, reminding him that every member on the ramp and in the operation has loved ones counting on them, too.

Garrett’s dedication to safety defines both his job and his union service. “I am passionate about Safety,” he enthusiastically states. “I’m very proud to be a part of continuous improvement for the membership.”

One of his proudest moments came when he helped win key grievances and successfully implement a critical safety measure that eliminated a significant risk for members. These wins, he says, reflect what the union is all about—protecting people, improving working conditions, and raising the quality of life for all.

For newer members just joining IAM District 142, Garrett offers clear advice: “Safety is always number one. Everyone needs to go home to their families or to people they care about.” It’s a message he carries into every conversation and every shift, reinforcing the values that keep our workplaces strong and united.

Outside of work, Garrett finds joy in family. “I love spending time with my daughters, whether it’s hiking a mountain trail in Alaska or taking them to the local roller rink.” Few know that he also enjoys scuba diving, a hobby that gives him a chance to explore a very different world beneath the surface. His favorite travel destination? The stunning Phi Phi Islands. And when it comes to food, you’ll find him happily digging into Thai spicy eggplant beef.

Garrett’s dedication, heart, and passion for safety make him an invaluable part of District 142. We are proud to honor him in this month’s Member Spotlight and grateful for the impact he continues to make on behalf of his coworkers and union siblings every day.