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Negotiating Committee Update #30

by | Sep 25, 2020 | Negotiations, News, Union Business

Your Negotiating Committee met with the Company on Tuesday, September 22. As you will recall from our previous update, the Union presented the Company with a written proposal on September 10 that outlined guidelines for return to work from Extended Emergency Time Off (ExTO) and included provisions designed to protect those Members who are currently flying. Our proposal took into account Member feedback and concerns, and provided much-needed structure to the ExTO return process. Your Negotiating Committee expected the Company to respond with a counterproposal during our September 22 meeting, but that did not occur.

30-second Summary:

  • The Company provided comments on some aspects of your Negotiating Committee’s proposal; however, the Company provided no formal, written response to our proposal. The Company indicated it was working on its own process.
  • Your Negotiating Committee strongly expressed the need to bargain regarding the ExTO return process, as it affects multiple areas within our Contract. The Union reminded the Company, once again, that we are in Section 6 negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), and any changes to our Contract must be negotiated between the parties. 
  • Given the Company’s failure and unwillingness to bargain in this respect, the Union is in consultation with its advisors as to the best path forward to protect our Members’ legal and contractual rights. 
  • Additionally, the Company requested that the Negotiating Committee calendar October 5 and 6 as bargaining dates, prompted by the Company’s concerns that the Payroll Support Program (PSP) will not be extended by Congress. The Union believes that the Company may, without an extension of the PSP, wish to seek cost-saving changes to our Contract.
  • Next meetings are set for October 5 and 6 at 1000 CT.

Full Recap:

In a diligent effort to put much-needed structure to the ExTO return process, your Union created a return-to-work proposal to address concerns and questions from Members who took ExTO and from those who are still flying. That proposal was presented to the Company on September 10. The parties agreed to reconvene on September 22, and your Negotiating Committee expected a formal response to our September 10 proposal. However, the Company provided no formal, written response on September 22, instead choosing only to provide commentary on items included in the Union’s written proposal. The Company stated that it was working on its own return-to-work process, but did not provide the Union with a draft to review.

We are currently in Section 6 bargaining, which is governed by the RLA, meaning our Contract is amendable and open for negotiations.  As this return-to-work process directly impacts multiple areas within our Contract, the RLA mandates the two parties bargain over those changes. Your Union has shown in both word and deed that it is attempting to work toward amicable resolutions, and that it is answering the ask from Gary Kelly that unions work closely with the Company to continue negotiations.

Instead of providing a written response to the letter of agreement that would have addressed Member concerns and questions about return from ExTO, the Company only indicated it was working on its own process and that it “took feedback into consideration and is adding your thoughts to the process where appropriate.” Your Negotiating Committee works closely with its legal and economic advisors and is currently in consultation with those advisors to determine the best course of action to protect the integrity of our Contract and the rights of all Members. 

Additionally, it should be noted that during discussions for the next round of bargaining dates, the Company expressed concerns that the CARES Act Payroll Support Program, which is set to expire after September 30, will not be extended by Congress and that further discussions will be needed. If there is no extension of the PSP, we expect the Company will seek and ultimately propose cost-saving changes to our Contract. 

The next meetings are scheduled for October 5 and 6 at 1000 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.

 

In Solidarity,

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.