Catching up with Local 556
Greetings from your Communications Committee! Brighter skies are just around the corner as daylight saving time (for most of us) prepares to “Spring Forward” the new season, and it is looking to be another busy month with TWU Local 556. This week we are bringing you the information you may have missed and providing you with some reminders of upcoming events.
The Company is graduating two classes per week for the next several weeks. Vacancy awards are more varied than we have seen in a long time. Likely you will see new faces no matter where you are based. Let us welcome our newest Members to our Company and our Union.
Your Communications Committee remains committed to providing you with important information as we continue to work through these challenging times.
In Unity,
Ashley Breuer and Drew Shy
TWU Local 556 Communications Co-Chairpersons
Please join us on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 1300 CT for our second virtual town hall of 2022. We are excited to answer your questions and update you on current Union affairs. Our virtual town hall will run for 2 hours and conclude at 1500 CT.
In order to efficiently answer as many questions as we can during our limited amount of time, please submit your questions in advance by clicking on the button below:
We look forward to seeing all of you that can attend our next virtual town hall of the year. Please make sure to register to attend. Once you register, you will receive the link to join the town hall.
We would like to congratulate TWU Local 556 Board Member at Large Danny Modelo on his new appointment as Vice-Chairperson of the New Hire Committee. Danny will assist New Hire Committee Chairperson and Dallas-based Flight Attendant Joe Skotnik.
The New Hire Committee is responsible for facilitating the New Hire orientation during initial training. The Committee meets with each New Hire class to discuss the services TWU Local 556 provides our Members, including New Hires. In addition to meeting with the class at the training facility, the New Hire Committee welcomes each class to the Union Office for an informal dinner and conversation.
Ability to See Your Own Doctor
Recently, it was announced that TWU Local 556 has entered into a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with Southwest Airlines that should lessen the impact of Emergency Sick Call Procedures (ESCP) on 556 Members and allow Flight Attendants to see their own Medical Provider instead of a Company designated Medical Provider. Click here to read the email again.
On Sunday, March 13, the start of daylight saving time (DST), which subtracts an hour of sleep, will be here. The seasonal time change when we “spring forward” begins at 0200. This time change does not affect Arizona or Puerto Rico.
Are you receiving all your Union communications? Do you have friends that say they do not receive our emails? Now is a good time to visit staging1.twu556.org and click on “Edit Profile” to make sure your contact information, including a current email, is up-to-date. It is also a good chance to make sure you are currently subscribed to receive emails. This is the fastest way to stay up-to-date on all Union information.
TWU Local 556 Committee on Political Education (COPE) is chaired by the TWU Local 556 President, Lyn Montgomery, and Vice-Chaired by TWU Local 556 Baltimore Domicile Executive Member Damion West. COPE also brought on Maria Teresa Hank, Las Vegas Based Flight Attendant, as a Committee Member to assist with the Committee’s strategic plan.
The Committee’s goal is to educate the TWU Local 556 on the importance of why our Local should be more engaged in the political process. COPE wants to emphasize that the goal of the Local is not to tell our members how to vote in the political process, rather the advancement of the labor movement, especially when it pertains to the aviation industry. We often hear from Members that we should not be involved in politics; it is important to note, the state and local governments run most airports we serve. Also, the Southwest Airlines airplanes we serve on as safety professionals every day cannot push back from the gate until we get permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs.
All of our Members’ opinions matter, and although we all may not agree on every issue, what is important is maintaining a safe working environment free from toxic fumes, knives on planes, and air rage from disgruntled passengers. We accomplish this by mobilizing our Members to speak up and hold our elected officials accountable.
What COPE Does:
- Promotes legislation that advances the interests of TWU Members.
- Educates TWU Members on political issues impacting their lives and the lives of other working people.
- Tell anyone how to vote.
- Use dues money in the form of contributions to endorsed candidates.
- CISM (214) 640-4380
- FADAP (214) 640-4307
- Clear Skies (800) 742-8911
Use the TWU Local 556 Chat App to get your contract questions answered! You may reach a Grievance Team Specialist by calling (214) 640-4300 or utilizing the TWU Local 556 Chat App.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 0800 – 1800 CT
Weekends and holidays 0900 – 1700 CT
Chat App Hours:
Monday – Friday 0800 – 2200 CT
Weekends and holidays 0900 – 1700 CT
An Officer is always on call for emergencies such as drug and alcohol testing advice, family deaths/critical incidents, severe injuries on the job, and aircraft accidents or incidents at ALL times outside of office and chat hours; including holidays.
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.