In 1993, then-International President James La Sala appointed Flanagan to lead newly created ATU Local 1700 – which replaced dozens of Greyhound locals across the country – until the first elections could be held in 1995. He was later elected president and served from 1999 through 2001. La Sala named the Ohioan an ATU International Representative in 2002.
Flanagan had a legendary way with words, and coined the term “national local” to describe ATU 1700. He had a story – many outlandish – to illustrate every point he made, and his “Flanagan- isms” live on in union lore. His humorous voice-mail message said it all: “In again, out again, gone again, Flanagan.”