Tap here to download TWU International Convention
Fast Fact Friday
TWU International Convention
Friday, May 16, 2025
Q1: “What is the TWU International Convention?”
The TWU International Convention is held every four (4) years to elect the Executive Leadership of our International Union. The Convention also gathers every TWU International Local from all divisions to discuss and act upon resolutions to advance the interests of our over 150,000 Members nationwide.
Q2: “If our Local is one of hundreds of TWU Locals, does it really matter if we send a delegation?”
YES! TWU Local 556 is the 2nd largest Local under TWU International. With a Membership of 21,000+, we represent the largest Local of Flight Attendants. Our representation at the TWU International Convention ensures that Flight Attendant concerns are addressed and voices are represented.
Q3: “We’re a big Local, but how does attending this Convention further our cause?”
There are a couple of ways that TWU Local 556 representation at the International Convention is important to furthering our cause as Flight Attendants. The first is that Flight Attendants’ needs are directly represented when determining the path of action for our Union as a whole. Another huge impact our Local has with representation at the Convention is it allows 556 to share our stories and plights with other non-Flight Attendant Locals for support and strength.
One great example of this was during the dramatic increase in Crew Member assaults during the COVID pandemic. Our representatives to the International Convention were able to tell our Flight Attendant’s experiences (alongside our Union family in other modes of public transportation!) and receive the support of our TWU International Leadership and other Locals to fight for policy changes on Capitol Hill with the Assault Won’t Fly campaign. This TWU International-backed campaign affected change in the industry and resulted in a shared No Fly List, public pressure to maintain decorum on airplanes, and airline policy changes in support of protecting Crew.
Q4: “Who will represent TWU Local 556 at the TWU International Convention?”
Our elected TWU Local 556 Executive Board will represent us at the Convention per the Constitution and ByLaws. Because our Membership is so large, our Members will elect a number of delegates determined by TWU International, and alternates. This number of delegates ensures that TWU Local 556 has a delegation which adequately reflects our Membership size and collective voice when voting on the direction and future of our International Union. This includes electing TWU International Leadership, approving or denying changes to our International Constitution, and supporting (and potentially enacting) meaningful changes in the near-future for our Union, and Labor as a whole.
Q5: “What is expected of our elected TWU Local 556 representatives to the International Convention?”
All TWU Local 556 representatives are required to attend every session of the convention (attendance is taken). Professionalism and decorum are required as they represent each one of YOU, the Members of this Local, while on the convention floor and off.