Catching Up With 556

30-Second Review

• Letter From The Editors
• Catching Up With Kristina
• Boardroom Brief
• By the Numbers
• AANHPI Heritage Month
• Spotlight: Working Women’s Committee
• Talk About a Town Hall!

As we move from April into May, our Communications Committee wanted to take a moment to highlight something we can’t talk about enough — taking care of ourselves and each other. With our Membership crossing the twenty-three thousand mark, these conversations are more important than ever.

April was Alcohol Awareness Month, and our FADAP Committee led the conversation with their Member-wide communication, “You Have Us On Your Side.” Their outreach was a reminder that the demands of this job can show up in ways we do not always expect, and that support is always within reach. FADAP is made up of fellow Flight Attendants who understand, who listen, and who are there to help — whether it is for you or someone in your life. Every interaction is confidential, and they are available 24 hours a day at (214) 640-4307 or fadap@staging1.twu556.org.

Now, as we head into May, we shift to Mental Health Awareness Month and the work of our CISM Committee. This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” is an important one. During the week of May 11–15, CISM representatives will be visiting our lounges to hold space for Members to connect, grab a snack, and talk with someone who understands the job. We will be sharing more details soon, including exact lounge visit times and some easy-to-share resources across our social media platforms. Keep an eye out, and if you have a moment, stop by! CISM is available 24 hours a day at (214) 640-4380 for both on- and off-duty matters.

No matter April, May, or beyond — our Union remains here to support you.

It’s been another productive month! On April 14, 2026, leaders from the TWU Air Division gathered in Tucson, Arizona, for a daylong conference focused on strengthening resources, safety protocols, and long-term strategic planning across the aviation industry. Air Division Local Presidents, Officers, and International leadership came together to ensure our work at the national level stays closely connected to what Members are experiencing on the line every day.

TWU Local 556 was represented by me and Shop Steward James Holden-Counts, alongside TWU International Vice President Thom McDaniel and COPE Field Representative Matt Hettich. I’m proud to stand alongside strong Union leaders committed to showing up for our Members and keeping our voice strong across the Air Division.

A major focus was the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and automation in aviation, and the importance of staying ahead of it. Protecting jobs, preserving scope, and ensuring that new technology works for Flight Attendants remain top priorities. Political action and organizing were also front and center, with updates on COPE, the Veterans Committee, and ongoing efforts to bring more workers into our TWU family. The energy in the room reflected just how important it is to stay united and continue building strength at every level of our Union.

I also attended the weeklong International Finance Training in Baltimore with Treasurer Nancy Kallas and Recording Secretary KeyAnder Early. It was a valuable week focused on our Local’s policies and procedures, fiduciary and legal responsibilities, constitutional duties, and best practices for financial stewardship. We also discussed long-term financial planning to ensure our Local remains strong, transparent, and prepared to meet Members’ needs well into the future.

These experiences reinforce how important it is that we stay connected, keep learning, and plan ahead as we work to protect our Members, strengthen our Local, and build a solid future for all eighty-two thousand Aviation Professionals represented by the Transport Workers Union.

Wear Test 3 for our new uniforms has officially begun! I’m honored to be part of this phase and help bring Members’ feedback directly to the company.

If you see me out on the line commuting back and forth from Dallas, please say hi! I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and feedback.

In Unity,

Kristina Peterson
TWU Local 556 President

On April 14–15, 2026, our TWU Local 556 Executive Board met in person in Dallas, Texas. Over two days, the Board reviewed Officer and Committee Reports, with continued focus on supporting Members, maintaining strong internal operations, and preparing for upcoming priorities. Grievance Chairperson Marcy Vinyard and our Grievance Team provided updates on contract enforcement and discipline-related cases, including current volumes and ongoing efforts to advocate for Members through the grievance process. The Board also discussed ongoing initiatives tied to communication improvements, Member engagement, and operational support, ensuring alignment across leadership as we move further into 2026.

The Committees of TWU Local 556 worked hard throughout March. Tap here for a glimpse into some of their efforts and the support they provided to our Members last month.

Looking ahead, the May Scheduling Statistics and LODO Numbers are also provided in this document.

View unabridged Committee Reports in The Archive of our Website.

Each May, the United States recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to learn about and celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of communities whose roots stretch across Asia and the Pacific Islands. The observance began as a week-long recognition in 1978 and was expanded by Congress to a full month in 1992.

AANHPI leaders have played an important role in the fight for workers’ rights. In New York, Chris Kwok helped organize thousands of garment workers in Chinatown, pushing for better pay and safer working conditions.

Labor activist May Chen spent decades advocating for immigrant workers and raising awareness about unfair labor practices.

Educator and organizer Kent Wong has also helped strengthen the labor movement by training new generations of organizers through the UCLA Labor Center.

Their work reminds us that the labor movement has always been shaped by people from many backgrounds who believed in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for workers.

International Quarterly Meeting

Our TWU Local 556 Working Women’s Committee (WWC) recently participated in the TWU International WWC quarterly meeting, focused on leadership, organizing, and advancing the role of Women across our Union. Representing our Local, WWC Chairperson Stacy Wiley attended alongside WWC Vice-Chairperson Makada Martin and CHRC Chairperson Pam Forte.

The event brought together leaders from across the Transport Workers Union of America to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen organizing strategies. A key highlight included organizing training led by Angelo Cucuzza, TWU International Director of Organizing, which focused on building engagement through relationship-driven organizing and one-on-one conversations that center on Member voices.

The Committee returned with a clear focus: strengthening connections across our Membership, building diverse and representative organizing structures, and ensuring that all efforts — from community outreach to mobilization — are grounded in Solidarity and service. To see more takeaways and highlights from the event, visit our Union’s social media channels and watch the recap reel.

🔗 Watch on Facebook

Hundreds of TWU Local 556 Members came together on April 28 for a Town Hall to share updates, reinforce transparency, and participate in open dialogue. President Kristina Peterson welcomed Members and reflected on the recent round of Membership Meetings, highlighting strong engagement and feedback — particularly around enhanced financial reporting and the continued commitment to improving visibility and accountability. Members were also reminded that formal financial presentations will take place at the next Quarterly Membership Meeting on June 23, 2026.

Leadership provided updates across several key areas impacting our workgroup. Our 2nd Vice President, Josh Rosenberg, outlined Executive Board actions, including added safeguards for the Negotiations Special Assessment Fund, which will now be held in a dedicated, interest-bearing account with strict use parameters. He also previewed the launch of the new “Airwaves” podcast and ongoing efforts to expand communication channels and Member support resources. Our 1st Vice President, Sam Wilkins, shared operational updates, including the May 1 pay raise, progress on implementation items, upcoming Red Eye developments, and the status of active grievances.

The Town Hall concluded with an extensive Question-and-Answer session, during which dozens of Members raised a wide range of topics — from scheduling, safety, and contract enforcement to governance, communication, and workplace concerns. The volume and breadth of participation exceeded three hours and underscored the importance of continued engagement and dialogue as our Union navigates ongoing challenges and opportunities ahead.

The next Town Hall will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Keep an eye out for registration details and make plans to join the conversation!

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.