Weekly Update: Roundtable Discussions, Winter Bid, Staffing, and Safety

Roundtable Meeting

This week, we met with the company for our monthly roundtable. We discussed several important issues affecting our members, including CS restrictions, mandatory overtime, the winter bid, CCQ self-demotion, safety, and bagroom operations.

CS Restrictions

Since taking office, your Executive Board has made CS restrictions one of our highest priorities.

We continue to present proposals and practical solutions aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating these restrictions while addressing the company's operational concerns. Progress is being made, and we hope to have more to share soon.

One concern raised by the company continues to be employees calling off on CS days and weekends. They are monitoring this closely, and it remains one of the biggest obstacles to removing the restrictions.

Every member's actions have an impact on the workforce as a whole.

For additional attendance, scheduling, and CS-related forms and information, visit our Member Resources.

Mandatory Overtime

Reducing mandatory overtime remains a priority.

The addition of more than 50 new part-time employees assigned to midnight shift is a positive step toward improving staffing.

We have also proposed changes to how midnight assignments are structured based on your feedback, with the goal of reducing flights being completed close to employees' scheduled off times.

Winter Bid

Planning for the winter bid has begun.

• August 8: Bid posted
• August 14: Bidding begins
• September 5: Winter Bid starts

The company plans to hire another 50 or more employees for deicing, which traditionally reduces staffing in baggage.

I have already begun discussions with management to explore alternatives that protect baggage staffing while maintaining operational needs. We are also advocating for additional two-gate, one-CC operations and will be more involved in training push-outs this bid.

As always, we will advocate for the best possible bid.

However, under Article 13(H)(3) of our Collective Bargaining Agreement, if the company and the Local Bid Committee cannot reach an agreement, the company has final authority over the bid parameters.

CCQ Self-Demotion

There is currently no language in our contract allowing CCQs to voluntarily self-demote.

After several discussions with the company, we have made progress toward creating a process that would allow it in certain situations.

While it is still a work in progress, it is a step forward.

Safety

Our Safety Committee continues to work alongside management to identify and remove hazards from the operation.

Weekly reports are submitted, follow-ups are requested, and new concerns are tracked until they are resolved.

If you see an unsafe condition or unsafe work practice, please report it to a Safety Team member.

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Bagroom Operations

Bagroom staffing continues to be a major focus.

The company has proposed reducing staffing from four employees per pier to three during the winter bid. We are actively working to reverse that proposal.

Unfortunately, the company has presented examples of employees not working together, taking extended breaks, returning late from lunch, and delaying flight movement to justify the reduction.

We cannot give management reasons to reduce our staffing.

Taking pride in our work and supporting one another strengthens our position at the bargaining table.

Uniform Compliance

The company is increasing enforcement of the uniform policy.

Remember, every employee receives a $200 annual uniform credit during their anniversary month.

If you need assistance ordering uniforms, your union representatives are here to help.

Annual Union Picnic

Our Events Committee has officially announced the TWU Local 571 Annual Union Picnic. We hope to see you and your families there.

For members unable to attend, we are also planning an event at work. More information will be announced soon.

Employee Assistance Program

If you or your family are facing challenges, please remember that help is available through the Employee Assistance Program.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you never have to face difficult situations alone.

Executive Board Training

This week, members of your Executive Board will attend International New Officers Training in Miami alongside TWU Local 570.

Investing in training allows us to better represent, protect, and advocate for every member of Local 571.

Closing

Thank you for your continued support, involvement, and professionalism.

Let's continue looking out for one another, working safely, and standing together in solidarity.

Have a safe week, Brothers and Sisters.