214-640-4300
214-640-4300

Negotiating Committee Update #29

by | Sep 14, 2020 | Negotiations, News, Union Business

Your Negotiating Committee met with the Company on Thursday, September 10, to discuss a fair and equitable process around an early return to work from ExTO, when and if needed.

30-second Summary:

  • The Union presented the Company with a proposed letter of agreement outlining guidelines for an early return to work from ExTO. This proposal was prepared by your Negotiating Committee based on input from Members regarding issues surrounding an early return from ExTO, while at the same time including provisions designed to protect those members who are currently flying.
  • The Union answered questions from the Company on various aspects of the proposed letter of agreement.
  • The Company agreed that all parties need to work together, and asked for time to further review the proposed agreement.
  • Next meeting set for September 22 at 1300 CT.

Full Recap:

Taking into account Member questions, feedback and input, the Union took the lead in creating a letter of agreement proposing a fair and equitable process around an early return to work from ExTO and related issues. Though the Union was not consulted upon creation of the current ExTO program, we felt it was in the Members’ best interest – both for those on voluntary leave programs and those who are currently flying – to proactively provide the Company with a contractual framework for an early return to work. 

That proposed letter of agreement was presented to the Company in a meeting held September 10, 2020.

After presentation of the proposal, your Negotiating Committee fielded questions from the Company on several aspects of the proposed agreement, including those around timeframes for notification, seniority, reasons for recall and more. The Company asked for more time to review the agreement, and the Union granted that request.

The Company agreed that now is an important time for the Company and Union to work together. Your Union sincerely hopes that this is the case, as this is a critical time for the entire aviation industry, Southwest Airlines included. We requested that the Company act promptly to respond to our proposed letter of agreement, so the parties may negotiate in good faith toward an agreement on this issue, which works for both sides. A fair and equitable process governing an early return to work from ExTO, while protecting our hard-fought Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is necessary. We hope the Company recognizes the importance of striving to negotiate in good faith and agree upon a mutually-acceptable return-to-work process. 

The next meeting is scheduled for September 22 at 1300 CT.

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 help avoid furloughs through March 2021. It is strongly recommended that all Members reach out to your congressional representatives to make our voices heard. Please click here to email your representative.​

Negotiations Committee

TWU Local 556 Negotiation Committee

The views contained herein do not necessarily represent those of TWU Local 556 or TWU International. The purpose of this email communication is intended only to educate and inform TWU Local 556 Members. It is not intended to officially establish or clarify past practice, Contract language, or grievance/arbitration positions. It is therefore not to be utilized or relied upon by any person or party as evidence of the Union’s position on any past practices, Contract language, grievances/arbitrations, or any other disputes or issues between TWU Local 556 and Southwest Airlines.