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TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee Update #46

by | Aug 2, 2021 | Negotiations, News, Union Business

TWU LOCAL 556 NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE UPDATE #46
Your Only Official Source of Factual Information

On July 28 and 29, the TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee met with the Company to continue discussions regarding the FAR 10-hour rest requirement within the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

In the last session, the Negotiating Committee passed a proposal to the Company to incorporate the increased rest requirements in our Contract prior to full FAA implementation. On July 28, the Company countered with its own proposed language, which was discussed by the parties this week. 

The implementation of the increased rest requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 has experienced continued delays by the FAA for various reasons, including the change in Presidential administrations. The FAA has advised that implementation of the law will enter the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) stage in November of this year, which is the precursor to final implementation. Interested parties, such as airlines and labor unions, will be asked for commentary following issuance of the NPRM before the law’s final implementation. The increased rest requirements are not final until fully implemented through the rulemaking process, but the Union does not anticipate reductions to the increased rest mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. 

The Union advised that the Act’s impending 10-hour rest requirement will affect the current Reserve System as well as future negotiated changes. Your Negotiating Committee recommended that the discussion be broadened to include all aspects of Flight Attendants’ rest and flight schedules. The Union invited the Company to a series of whiteboard sessions to explore solutions to the issues Flight Attendants face with the Reserve System, including the need for rest.

TWU Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery reiterated that Flight Attendants are exhausted and that the work environment experienced today is more challenging than ever before. Feedback received directly from Members on issues of the Reserve System will be utilized by your Negotiating Committee in these upcoming whiteboard sessions and possible solutions to improve Flight Attendants’ quality of life while solving operational issues the Company experiences.

The Negotiating Committee will meet with the Company on August 17, 19 and 20, and in the meantime, will carefully analyze the Company’s proposal while exploring and articulating possible alternative solutions.

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.