TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee Update #59

TWU LOCAL 556 NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE UPDATE #59
Your Only Official Source of Factual Information

TWU Local 556 acknowledged the four-year anniversary of the date the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Company became amendable, the Negotiating Committee went back to the table. These meetings marked the first in a series of negotiations in the presence of a federal mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board. In preparation for this session, the Negotiating Committee prepared a 500-page document to give the mediator an overview of where each Article stands currently, highlighting areas of agreement and areas in which each party is seeking changes. 

After introductions, these sessions began with the TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee meeting privately with the mediator to talk through the very real and pressing needs of Flight Attendants today. The mediator also met privately with the Company. The groups then reconvened in ensuing days for additional discussion and to begin bargaining in the presence of the mediation team.

A plan to move forward was created, and the date for the next session of meetings, November 29 through December 1, was confirmed with the group as well as dates through the end of March. 

The TWU 556 Negotiating Committee feels mediation already has proven to be the right decision and is hopeful the constructive, mediator-led dialogue will continue and we will finally see the progress this Membership deserves. Members will be kept informed as negotiations continue.

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.