Negotiating Committee Update #26

Your TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee brought your voice to the table on Friday, July 17, 2020, in a meeting with the Company. Our goal was to understand what the future of Southwest Airlines looks like and how our Members’ contributions have impacted our collective goals.

30-second summary:

The Company confirmed that no WARN letters (furlough notices) were being sent at this point.

• Approximately 33 percent of active Flight Attendants have opted for VSP or ExTO bids. The Company confirmed that all VSP bids would be awarded.
• The Company is still working through ExTO bid awards and details on the process for call-backs. Your team made it clear that the Union must be included in those discussions to ensure Flight Attendants’ best interests are respected as we navigate this unprecedented situation. 
• The best way to prevent furloughs is to advocate for an extension of the CARES Act. Make your voice heard here.

Detailed recap:

The Company has confirmed that, at this time, no WARN notices are being issued. As support from the CARES Act is scheduled to end on September 30, and business continues to fluctuate, this can change.

As reflected in Sonya Lacore’s update on Friday, July 17, approximately 33 percent of active Flight Attendants have opted for VSP or ExTO bids. Her communication noted that this has mitigated the pressure on the Company. 

In our meeting on Friday, the Union asked for the company-wide numbers of those who have elected VSP or ExTO, other workgroup comparisons and whether this meets the Company’s goals. The Company responded that it did not have that information at this time. It was indicated that a thorough analysis needed to be completed and decisions made, and that customer demand on the Southwest Airlines network and staffing would need to be evaluated. The Company said that this work is still ongoing and that there could be some change in the numbers due to the opt-out period for VSP. 

As the Company continues to determine staffing needs and respond to fluctuating customer demand, your Union made it clear that communication is needed on how Flight Attendants will be brought back from ExTO, if an early return from ExTO is required. We expressed that there are multiple issues regarding an ExTO recall that may violate the Contract, including the communication notice, the bidding process, recurrent training, floating vacation time, the return-to-work process, pay, and more. After repeated attempts by the Union to be a part of the Company’s discussions as they apply to these programs, the Company is not agreeing to active collaboration, and instead just offered to relay concerns. When asked if the Company had uncovered issues with which the Union could assist, the Company noted that none came to mind. 

Your Negotiating Committee detailed questions and concerns during the meeting, and offered expertise in working through the issues we brought forward. We asked that the Company provide more information about how these issues would be handled so that the Union could review them and provide input before any communication is published. In advocating for you, this Negotiating Committee is committed to ensuring the integrity of your CBA and advocating for the unique needs of Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants. 

The teams agreed to a follow-up meeting, which will take place July 31.

As TWU Local 556 continues to advocate on behalf of Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, securing an extension of the CARES Act is incredibly important. This would avoid furloughs until March 2021. We strongly recommend that all Members reach out to their congressional representatives to make our voices heard. Take action now and click here.