TWU Local 556 Negotiation Update #11

The Negotiating Committee met with Management this week for a two-day session. TWU Local 556 is still reviewing the Company’s counter proposals for Article 25—Health and Safety, and a new article for hotel language. In this session, we presented Article 17—Medical Examinations and Article 19—Grievance Procedures.

Article 17—Medical Examinations

The Union proposed language to establish clear provisions for when a Flight Attendant’s fitness for duty is questioned by Management. The Union presented the Company with the issues that individuals have encountered during this process, so they would have a clear understanding of why changes are needed. The language presented would ensure better privacy, consistency, and fairness to the process.

Article 19—Grievance Procedures

The Union proposed language that included protections for mandatory meetings. In addition, our proposal sought changes to offset the costs associated with the substantial increase in mandatory meetings scheduled by Management. The Union also presented language reducing the timeframe in which discipline would remain active in a Flight Attendant’s file. Our proposal also included the contractual right to respond, in writing, to any discipline or negative material in a Flight Attendant’s file.

FAA Reauthorization 10-Hour Rest Rule

Management presented the Union with language to begin discussions concerning the new FAR 10-hour rest rule, which is part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. A deadline to implement the changes has not yet been mandated by the FAA. The current information provided to the Union is that a formal commenting phase may begin in April 2020. The TWU International Legislative Department is in contact with Representative DeFazio, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in hopes the Department of Transportation will issue the rule change without opening it for comment.

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for June 11-13. Stay tuned and in touch with your Negotiating Committee for the facts.

We would like to wish you a happy and safe International Flight Attendant Day. The hard-working Flight Attendants of TWU Local 556 perform exceptional service and ensure our Customer’s safety, making significant contributions each and every day, keeping Southwest Airlines successful and profitable.