First Negotiations Preparation Meeting Held at TWU International Headquarters
Adam Fernandez shares highlights from the first negotiations preparation meeting and discusses priorities, member involvement, and the road ahead toward contract bargaining.
Good evening brothers and sisters,
Today Vivian Lewis and I met with International Representative Jose Galarza, Local 570 President Dan Rivera, Local 575 President Enrique Guzman, and Vice President Eddie Murillo at the Transport Workers Union of America international offices in Washington, D.C.
Today was our first official preparation meeting for negotiations, and it was truly an eye-opening experience. We had important discussions about the company’s business model, the operational structure of a regional airline, and the realities of the negotiation process. Understanding how the company operates financially and operationally is critical because it allows us to better prepare, build stronger arguments, and fight more effectively for the improvements our membership deserves.
Several ideas were exchanged regarding the membership survey, with hourly wage increases remaining the clear top priority. We also discussed other major concerns affecting our workgroup and began laying the foundation for the strategy moving forward.
One point that was heavily emphasized throughout today’s meeting was the importance of member involvement, education, and unity. As negotiations move forward, it is going to be important for all of us to better understand the company model, the long-term process of negotiations, and the challenges that come with bargaining in the regional airline industry. This will not be an overnight fight, and there will be obstacles along the way, but preparation and solidarity will be key to our success.
I will be back at work tomorrow and will try to visit as many break rooms as possible to speak in more detail about what is ahead, what to expect during negotiations, and how every member can play a role in this process.
Our next negotiation preparation meeting is scheduled for June 8th and 9th at the Local 570 offices in Miami. Following those preparations, formal negotiations with the company are scheduled to begin on July 16th and 17th in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
We have a long road ahead of us and a lot of work to do, but after today’s meeting I am confident in the group we have assembled and even more confident in the strength of this membership. If we stay informed, united, and engaged throughout this process, I truly believe we can fight for and achieve the contract that our members deserve.