LAX April E-Connection
Note: This information was published on our Website and distributed via email. If you’d like to receive emails from TWU Local 556, please update your email preferences in your profile on our Website or in the TWU556 Connect App. Due to a temporary issue impacting delivery to some Microsoft-owned email domains (including Hotmail, Live, MSN, and Outlook), this message may not have been delivered to all email inboxes.
Pleasant greetings, LAX! Spring has officially arrived, bringing sunshine, busy flights, and a fresh burst of energy to the skies. As things pick up, we know schedules get fuller and days a little longer, but it’s also a great time to reconnect with one another and welcome new faces to our Base. In this issue, you’ll find helpful updates, a warm welcome to our newest leaders, Union News, and a few tips to help you stay connected and informed while on the line. Thank you for the care and professionalism you bring to every flight; you truly make a difference each day.
30-Second Review
- Parking Updates
- Leadership Changes
- TWU556 Connect App
- April Town Hall
- TWU556 App Calculator
- Letter Carriers’ Food Drive
- Mark Your Calendar
Parking Updates
As construction continues across LAX in preparation for the 2028 Olympics, employee parking remains one of the biggest day-to-day challenges for our Crew Members. Ongoing projects have led to a lot of relocations, reduced availability, and shifting shuttle routes. Some entrances have been temporarily closed or rerouted, and access points can change with little notice. Combined with lane closures and traffic diversions in the surrounding areas, getting to work often requires extra time, patience, and flexibility.
I appreciate everyone navigating these challenges and encourage you to plan ahead, allow additional commute time, and stay updated on the latest parking and transportation changes as improvements continue. I’ve also met with Base Management to discuss solutions and ways to help mitigate these issues.
I recently connected with ABM leadership and was encouraged by our conversation. They shared updates on what to expect over the coming months and into the end of the year. The East Lot, which had previously lost about half of its capacity due to construction, has now been adjusted to approximately 20%, freeing up additional parking spaces. ABM staff have also been relocated from the East Lot, further increasing availability. In addition, ABM continues to hire more drivers to improve shuttle frequency and reliability.
Looking ahead, the Automated People Mover (APM) has entered the testing phase. Once operational, Flight Attendants are expected to park and use the train system to access the airport. This transition should also bring increased parking availability. I will share more details as they become available.
Leadership Changes
As previously announced, Jabari Smith Perry Hawes is our new LAX Inflight Base Manager. He brings 21 years of experience, including 14 years as a Flight Attendant, and comes highly recommended. I’ve been very encouraged by our conversations so far. He has an open-door policy and is eager to hear from our Flight Attendants. Please feel free to stop by the lounge, say hello, and give him a warm LAX welcome.
I’d also like to welcome our newest LAX Supervisor, Shauna Burris. Shauna most recently served as a Base Coordinator and has long been a trusted resource for our Flight Attendants. I’m excited to see her step into this new role.
TWU556 Connect App
If you don’t already have the TWU556 Connect App on your phone or personal device, I highly encourage you to download it. The app is a valuable resource, offering access to the Contract, Contract Q&As, Fast Fact Fridays, a Duty Calculator, and much more—all designed to help keep you informed and supported. You can download the App from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
April Town Hall
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
1100 Central Time
Are you looking for a laid-back and casual discussion? A Town Hall meeting is just that. The Town Hall is a virtual meeting that lasts for one to two hours. There will be an open discussion with Questions and Answers. Just so you know, the session will be recorded for viewing later if you are unable to attend. Note: There will not be a financial presentation, as those are limited to our formal Membership Meetings.
Registration is now open!
Membership Meeting
The next scheduled All Base Membership Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1100 CT. The official meeting notice may be found on the Union Administration page of our website.
TWU556 App Calculator
Your TWU556 Connect App (Apple) (Google) is loaded with all kinds of information from Union News to contact information and your Contract. One feature it has is the calculator to help you cross check your Duty Day and Extended Ground Time pay.
Duty Calculator: Ensure your workday meets FAA requirements and understand your rights to rest and benefits under your contract.
Extended Ground Time Pay Calculator: Determine additional pay for extended ground time between flights, ensuring proper contractual compensation.
Check out the TWUesday Tidbit reel posted to our official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok earlier this week for a visual walkthrough of these calculators. Know your options and exercise your rights when days go long, or rest seems short.
Letter Carriers’ Food Drive
NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
The 2026 NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Led by our Unionized Siblings in the National Association of Letter Carriers, alongside those represented by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, this effort has grown into the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Letter Carriers collect non-perishable donations along their routes to support local food pantries. Residents can participate by leaving a bag of food next to their mailbox for collection.
Tap the preview graphic to expand.
Mark Your Calendar
The Month of May
- Asian American Pacific Islander Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- May 1: International Workers Day
- May 1: 3% Contractual Raise Day
- May 10: Mother’s Day
- May 15: Service to Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) begins.
- May 25: Memorial Day (Paid Holiday and PIN Black Out Day)
- May 28: Membership Town Hall
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns via email at afigueroa@staging1.twu556.org or by phone at (214) 640-4365.
In Unity,
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.