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TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee Update #47

by | Aug 24, 2021 | Negotiations, News, Union Business

TWU LOCAL 556 NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE UPDATE #47
Your Only Official Source of Factual Information

Intent on finding solutions to improve the quality of life for Flight Attendants, the TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee met with the Company on August 17, 19, and 20 to discuss staffing, rest requirements, and the reserve system.

Continuing previous discussions between the Union and the Company, the parties discussed potential solutions in a series of whiteboard sessions the Union had suggested. The Negotiating Committee detailed issues Members are facing, and reiterated the need to come to solutions in a timely manner to give Flight Attendants relief in the short term and better meet both Members’ needs and operational requirements for the future. 

The Company presented data to help inform the group’s collective brainstorming, including information on staffing and operations. The Negotiating Committee presented information from a series of focus groups conducted by the Union with Members from all bases and all seniority levels, emphasizing the stress that 24-hour on-call reserve creates for Flight Attendants. The parties also engaged in productive discussion on potential solutions to the existing reserve system

The two parties agreed to seek effective ways to make the reserve system better to meet both our Members’ and the Company’s operational needs. These are changes that would also comply with the FAR 10-hour rest requirement within the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Because compliance with the requirement will impact the reserve system, the discussion was broadened to include all areas of Flight Attendant duty days and rest.

This complex issue will continue to be researched, and potential solutions modeled, by both the Union and the Company. The parties agreed to meet again in September and October.

In Solidarity,

Your TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee

Negotiations Committee

TWU Local 556 Negotiation Committee

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.