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TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee Update #42

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Negotiations, News, Union Business

TWU LOCAL 556 NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE UPDATE #42
Your Only Official Source of Factual Information

 

Dear Member:

The Union met with the Company on February 25. At the Union’s request, the discussions focused on Article 33, the commuter policy, and, more specifically, the Union’s proposed language for a ground commuter policy.  Recent weather events have underscored the need for contract language that would give Flight Attendants the benefit of the doubt while allowing the Company the operational flexibility it needs, particularly when weather presents challenges. The Union presented these revisions in its proposal Article 33.5.

30-second summary:

  • The Union brought to the table a proposal for Article 33, and specifically, the ground commuter policy. This was a follow-up to previous discussions with the Company about the need for revisions to this language, a need that was made more apparent by the recent winter storms across Texas and nearby states.
  • The Company asked questions to clarify the intent and application of the revised language, and has committed to reviewing the policy and the proposal that the Union brought to the table.
  • In previous meetings, the Union stated a desire for collaboration and open dialog. Discussions in the meeting on February 25 were collegial.
  • Next meeting is scheduled for March 30.

Full Recap:

In a meeting with the Company on February 25, the Union proposed language for Article 33 that further addresses the challenges experienced during ground commutes. This language was first presented to the Company last year. The Negotiating Team expressed that the need for this language in Article 33 was made even more apparent by the mass weather event that impacted Texas and nearby states this month, creating life-threatening situations for Members during their commutes.

In describing the proposed revisions to Article 33, the Negotiating Team stated that the changes would encourage recovery and discourage sick calls, and would give Members options when the commute to work may be impacted by situations out of their control. The Team detailed how revisions would be mutually beneficial to both the Company and to Members of TWU Local 556.

The Company asked questions regarding the interpretation and application of the proposed language, and agreed to do a thorough review of the proposal prior to the next meeting.

In its last meeting with the Company, the Union expressed its desire for all parties to enjoy the benefit of true collaboration, a charge to which the Company agreed. Discussions at the table in the meeting on February 25 were collegial and collaborative, and the Union looks forward to more sessions like this when advancing the questions and concerns of its Membership to the Company.

The next meeting with the Company, one of a series of regularly scheduled dates, will be held March 30.

In Solidarity,

Your TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee

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.