TWU Local 556

The Union of Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

AirWaves News Edition: What You Need to Know This Week - August 7, 2026 Edition

Full debrief of the rebid issue we experienced in July, and how similar issues will be handled by the Company going forward

KCM going to CMAP – the latest on the tech issues and how Members can protect themselves from being late

New 35-minute report time for Max8/-800 going smoothly – learn what to do with those extra 5 minutes and how to keep your transportation in check

Max7 is on its way – hear more on when we anticipate that model being added to the fleet

Membership meeting is Wed, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. CT

#TWU556 #AirWaves

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Ever wonder why your schedule looks the way it does? Who creates the pairings? How are lines built? And what exactly does the Scheduling Committee do?

In the latest episode of Airwaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, host Josh Rosenberg sits down with Scheduling Committee Co-Chair Xander Ricker to pull the curtain back on what goes into the pairings Flight Attendants review during the monthly bidding process.

From red-eye flying to the scheduling "balloon effect," this episode breaks down the complex work happening behind the scenes to improve your quality of life.

🎧 Listen now where you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube

#TWULocal556 #Airwaves #Podcast #Scheduling #FlightAttendants #UnionStrong

https://t.co/kW7dXjH3XM

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Check out the new AirWaves Podcast News Edition for July 24th!

This week's AirWaves: News Edition breaks down the issues impacting Flight Attendants right now. Hear directly from your Union leadership on:
👉 July rebid issues – what led to the disruption and why the Union filed a group grievance
👉 Latest on KCM going to CMAP
👉 SWAPA’s side letter on the -800/MAX 8
👉 Upcoming Town Hall and Membership Meeting

It's a quick, informative update with the knowledge you need to know, straight from your Union. You can find this episode wherever you listen to your podcasts or watch it on our new YouTube Channel
https://t.co/b5aI0hXguz

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

TWU Local 556 has been made aware that one of our Members was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while at work.

Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our Members. Every Member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we are committed to ensuring this Member and their family know they are not alone during this difficult time.

TWU Local 556 has been in communication with the Member's family. We are also working with the attorney retained by the Member, as well as TWU Local 556's legal counsel, to understand the circumstances and provide appropriate support.

Many Members have inquired about how to help. We understand family and friends have set up a fund to assist with legal expenses, and it is being shared publicly on social media by other Members.

TWU Local 556 will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain engaged as we learn more. We appreciate our Members' concern and support, as we all hope for a swift resolution to this situation.

Our Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team is available to provide confidential peer support and resources to any Member impacted by this event. Everyone processes difficult situations differently, and no one has to navigate them alone. If you would like to speak with a trained peer supporter, please contact CISM at [phone].

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

TWU 556 Members share real lessons from the Future Leaders Organizing Committee conference and their excitement to share new strategies to strengthen our Local. The next generation is stepping up!

Get involved 👉 [email protected]

#TWU556 #FutureLeaders #UnionVoices

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

How does TWU Local 556 fight for tax breaks for Members and more say in legislation that affects our work lives?

In the latest episode of Airways, we discuss how our Committee on Political Education (COPE) advocates for Flight Attendants and makes a difference for Members. Learn how COPE has helped advance issues like tax relief on overtime, secondary cockpit barriers, lactation accommodations, and other legislative priorities that affect our profession.

Did you know? By law, Union dues cannot be used to support political campaigns. That's why voluntary COPE contributions help build relationships with lawmakers from ALL parties who champion Flight Attendant issues.

🎧 Watch now or listen where you get your podcasts!

#TWU556 #Airwaves #FlightAttendants #UnionStrong #COPE #LegislativeAdvocacy

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we celebrate the freedoms that unite us, including the freedom of workers to stand together through their Union. The labor movement has helped generations secure a stronger voice, safer workplaces, and a better future through collective action.

To all TWU 556 Members working the holiday: thank you for your professionalism and dedication. Wishing our entire Union family a safe and fun holiday. Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

UPDATE ON RE-BID AUG 2026: THE UNION’S EFFORTS

New: The August 2026 re-bid began earlier today. After the re-bid launched, there was an issue with the pay calculation for some pairings, impacting a handful of line values throughout the system.

Representing you: Your Union understands that this has caused a great deal of frustration and confusion. We have communicated to Crew Planning that if a Flight Attendant bids and is awarded the lines that were showing an error in either pairing or line pay at the time they bid for it, we will be pursuing a remedy for those impacted.

Reminder: The updated August 2026 re-bid timeline is as follows:
➡ July 3: Rebid opened at 0345 CT
➡ July 6: Bidding closes at 1000 CT
➡ July 6: Awards will post no later than 1600 CT and protest begins at 1600 CT
➡ July 7: Protest will end at 1600 CT

Advocating for you: Your Union has been on top of this issue since we were initially notified late yesterday, and we will continue all efforts to assist Members who are impacted. We will also receive a full debrief from Southwest Airlines Crew Planning on the issue that caused this situation. We will update you further on the actions taken on your behalf in the coming week(s).

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Listen Now: https://t.co/23TfsxGQoR

Watch Here: https://t.co/CD0FlF8c8y

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Ever wonder what a DEBM actually does?
The answer: A lot.

From helping Members through personal emergencies and attendance concerns to advocating during meetings with Management and assisting with grievances, DEBMs are often the first call when Flight Attendants need support.

In Episode 5 of AirWaves, Josh Rosenberg talks with DEBMs Kristie Scarbrough (DAL), Patrick Paladino (MCO), and Edward Marq (HOU) about what it means to serve as elected representatives for their bases and how they help Members make the most of the protections in our Contract.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform or see comment below.

#TWU556 #AirWaves

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

TWU 556 was notified a bit ago that Crew Planning has temporarily closed primary bidding for August 2026.

As soon as we get information about the primary bid reopening, we will send out an update.

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Happy 55th Anniversary to the Beating Heart of Southwest Airlines – Its People.

From the earliest days of Southwest Airlines, Labor has been at the Heart of LUV. From Flight Attendants and Pilots to Dispatchers, Mechanics, Customer Service Agents, Operations Agents, Ramp Agents, Provo Agents, Meteorologists, Flight Instructors, Crew Schedulers and many, many more – the hallmark of this airline has always been the faces of its operation. Today, we celebrate 55 years of the dedication and professionalism of the People who have carried Southwest Airlines through every chapter.

As one of the most Unionized airlines in the United States, with approximately 85% of Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, we are a testament to what is possible when workers band together to ensure they have a meaningful voice in shaping their workplace. The result: A company we are proud to call our own.

The 23,000 Members of TWU Local 556, the Union of Southwest Flight Attendants, proudly serve our Customers in protecting their safety, security and comfort every day. From its very earliest days to today, the Flight Attendants of Southwest Airlines have shown a hallmark of professionalism and warmth that is known the world over.

Here’s to the past 55 years — and to the employees who today are shaping the future of @SouthwestAir. ❤️✈️

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

TWU 556 spoke with The Dallas Morning News about Southwest Airlines’ decision to reopen cabin jump seats to non-crew employees.

In the interview, First Vice President Sam Wilkins highlighted the union’s concerns: Jump seats are critical safety positions, not just travel perks. Only crew-qualified personnel should occupy them, as they must be ready to assist in emergencies, evacuations, and medical events.

[Dallas Morning News @dallasnews]

The Southwest Airlines flight attendants union speaks out about safety after Southwest Airlines said it would once again allow all employees to access jump seats onboard aircraft. https://t.co/LjyJaIADE1

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

✈ Happy International Flight Attendant Day! 

Today, we honor the incredible dedication, professionalism, and safety standards that our crews bring to the skies. But this year, the celebration is bigger than ever...We are officially more than 23,000 strong in TWU Local 556! 

Our strength is, and always will be, our unity. When 23,000 professionals stand together in solidarity, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

To our members: You are the heartbeat of this union. We see you, we back you and we celebrate you today and every single day. 

#FlightAttendantDay #UnionStrong #WeAre556

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Stop touching the flight attendants! ✋ TWU 556 spoke with the Washington Post article aobut what flight attendants deal with on nearly every flight.

TWU Local 556’s Sam Wilkins puts it perfectly: you wouldn’t poke your waitress in a restaurant or grab your barista, so please don’t do it to us in the air. Use your voice, give a wave, or press the call light — we’re here to help, just not by being touched.

Respect goes both ways! 💙 #FlightAttendantLife #TWULocal556

[The Washington Post @washingtonpost]

Flight attendants frequently experience unwanted physical contact from passengers, prompting some cabin crew to wear patches, lanyards or decorated aprons displaying messages such as “no touching.” https://t.co/VvrgnBivZY

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Congratulations to @AFAUnitedMEC on the ratification of their new Contract.

Over these last several years, our industry has seen a renewed sense of Solidarity across class, craft, and carrier. Moments like this are a reminder that when one workgroup raises standards, it strengthens the foundation for all workers.

We are incredibly happy for United Flight Attendants and everyone who helped make this moment possible. ✈️💙

#unionstrong #solidarity #1u @afa_cwa

[AFA-CWA @afa_cwa]

.@AFAUnitedMEC Flight Attendants voted 82% to ratify their new Contract, with 88.9% participating.

United Flight Attendants will receive a 31% average wage increase and boarding pay this summer, and many other improvements. https://t.co/QkoUNl3LXd

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

This May, we’re recognizing Mental Health Month with a simple idea: More good days, together. As Flight Attendants, we take care of a lot of people. This month is a reminder to take care of ourselves—and each other, too.

Through Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), you have access to confidential, certified peer-based support from people who understand this job and what comes with it. You may not need that support today. But when you do, it matters to know it’s there. You can reach CISM at [phone] or [email protected].

#MentalHealthAwareness

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Fannie Lou Hamer was an American civil rights leader, voting rights activist, and sharecropper whose courage helped bring national attention to the fight for equal voting rights and justice.

[TWU Local 556 @TWU556]

Southwest Management needs to read the room—and read and respect our Contract. Yet another “suggestion” to “board early when able” exploits our goodwill and chips away at hard-fought contractual rights.

Upper management is out of touch. Decisions are being made without facing the real-world implications or fully considering the strain and anxiety placed on you. They have diminished our flexibility, made our jobs harder, placed us once again directly in the line of fire with frustrated customers, and pitted workgroups against each other through poorly thought-out plans, all in the name of helping the company. In the end, it is our members, the hardworking frontline safety professionals, who are left “holding the bag”, asked to lift the bag, and even told to put their bags in the back of the aircraft.

This is not about refusing to help. It is about protecting what was fought for over decades of negotiations. We want Southwest to succeed, and we want our customers to have a great experience. But frustration continues to grow when policies are implemented without collaboration and without respect for our Contract.

Southwest must work with our Union before rolling out flawed operational changes and must respect the agreements already in place. We will not allow further scope creep into our Contract. #ReadTheRoom