Local 512

June 13, 2026

My fellow 512 family,

As we move into the busy summer travel season, we all know Chicago O’Hare is preparing for what is expected to be a very heavy volume of operations. Recently, the Company began distributing the new scanners throughout ORD as part of its system-wide technology upgrade.

Initially, the rollout appeared to be relatively uneventful. However, that quickly changed the following day, when the Company decided to deactivate the old scanners. Unfortunately, members working the early morning shifts were not properly supplied with functioning replacement scanners before the old equipment was taken offline.

As a result, when members reported for duty and attempted to use the old scanners, many found them ineffective and went offline while working a flight. This created immediate operational challenges during one of the busiest parts of the day. Crew Chiefs were forced to revert to manual processes to keep the operation moving, resulting in unnecessary delays, confusion, and frustration.

Once again, frontline members were left to overcome problems that could have been avoided with proper planning, communication, and execution. Our members did what they always do: adapted, improvised, and kept the operation running despite the obstacles in their way.

It is difficult to understand how an airline operation of this size continues to implement major operational changes without ensuring the necessary tools and resources are in place beforehand. We also understand that similar issues have been reported across the system, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident.

The company has advised that scanner distribution will continue throughout the training room, where trainers will be readily available to answer questions and assist members with operating the new devices. We strongly encourage all members receiving a new device to take advantage of this opportunity and ask as many questions as possible. Based on the reports we have received, some of the legacy applications transferred to the new devices appear to be experiencing issues, particularly when performing ABR-related functions. Familiarizing yourself with the device and addressing any concerns with the trainers before heading into the operation may help prevent unnecessary delays and frustrations on the job.

If you encounter operational issues, application failures, or functionality concerns while using the new scanners, please document them and notify your local union so we can continue tracking these problems and bring them to management’s attention.

Even though it will become the primary device used throughout the operation, it does not give the Company the right to lead and direct the workforce through messages sent on these devices, or to personally direct members’ job tasks. The Collective Bargaining Agreement is clear in its direction of work, which remains the responsibility of the Crew Chief classification.

Please document any incident and report it to your steward or the field office immediately. Your reports help us identify patterns, address violations, and protect our members' work and contractual rights.

In other news, we would like to congratulate our Facility Maintenance Mechanics for achieving 100% of their Preventive Maintenance (PM) goals while also staying ahead of schedule on the bridge refresh project. This accomplishment is a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

We would also like to recognize our GSE Mechanics, whose expertise and dedication keep the equipment that drives our operation functioning safely and efficiently. Their ability to maintain, repair, and support critical ground service equipment is essential to keeping flights moving and ensuring our member have the tools necessary to perform their jobs.

As we look ahead to the next round of contract negotiations in 2027, it is important that your voice helps shape the priorities to be brought forward on behalf of our membership.

This coming week, instead of spending my time in the field office, I will be out on the ramp area and throughout the operation speaking directly with our members. My goal is to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas as we begin developing a membership survey that will help identify the priorities for our next contract.

The strength of our union comes from our members' participation. Whether your concerns involve wages, benefits, work rules, staffing, scheduling, job security, safety, technology, or any other workplace issue. These conversations will help ensure that the survey reflects the issues that matter most to the membership.

The groundwork for successful negotiations begins long before we sit across the table from the Company. It begins with listening to our members, understanding their priorities, and building a unified agenda that reflects our workforce’s needs. I look forward to speaking with many of you throughout the week as we. continue preparing for negotiations in 2027.

With the summer heat upon us and temperatures expected to rise throughout the season, we want to remind all members to take hydration seriously while working outdoors and in high- temperature environments.

The Local 512 field office is fully stocked with electrolyte freeze pops, and they are available to all members from both unions. Feel free to stop by and grab one. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and remain safe on the job.

A few reminders: Our annual union picnic will once again be at the Casa Italia festival pavilion in Stone Park, Illinois, on July 15, 2026. Our union golf outing at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. You can sign up at the field office, and the event is on August 3, 2026. If you haven’t picked up your Dri-Fit 80^thanniversary T-Shirt at the field office, please do so before we run out. Cargo can get them from your section chairman.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Juan Elvira

President – TWU Local 512

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