TWU LOCAL 512 STRONG - CHICAGO - DEN - DTW - MCI - MSP - PIT

TWU LOCAL 512 - STRONG - CHICAGO - DEN - DTW - MCI - MSP - PIT

Local 512

April 6, 2026

Our 512 family,

This week’s update is being written by yours truly, Mike Szwed, while President Elvira was away, spending some well-earned time with his family. I do apologize for the delay. As you can imagine, keeping everything running smoothly in his absence has been a bit overwhelming, but we’ve been working hard to stay on top of things.

That said, it also reminds us of something important—family comes first. Always. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most, and it’s something we all work hard to protect and provide for.

TWU Local 512 hopes everyone had a wonderful Easter, or however you and your loved ones celebrated this time. This season is a good reminder to reflect on how we treat one another—not just at home, but here at work as well.

We often start our updates by saying “512 Family,” and President Elvira has been asked why that matters. His answer is simple: because we are brothers and sisters.

Our membership is made up of people from all walks of life—different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We may not always see eye to eye, but we come together every day at the airport as one team. The truth is, we spend more time with our crews and coworkers than we do with our own families at home.

Because of that, we have to treat each other the same way we would treat family—with respect, patience, understanding, and, at times, forgiveness. That’s what makes us strong. That’s what makes us 512.

Let’s continue to look out for one another and carry that mindset forward every single day on the job.

Now, getting into the business of the Local—this is an important time of year. It is bidding season.

We’ll start with our Facility Maintenance members. Notifications will be going out to mechanics today, April 6th, regarding the upcoming May rebid. Members will be able to begin entering their preferences on April 13th, with live bidding scheduled for April 20th. The new bid will take effect on May 11th, 2026.

At this time, the Facility Maintenance rebid will remain largely unchanged. However, there will be no flex shifts in this bid. As everyone knows, we are currently down four crew chiefs, with a couple more retirements expected in the near future, which is impacting staffing.

For our Ground Service Equipment (GSE) members, the process will follow the same timeline. Preference entry begins on April 13th, with live bidding on April 20th. The new bid for GSE mechanics will go into effect on May 11th, 2026.

As a reminder, both Facility Maintenance and GSE shift bids will be conducted electronically through the bidding system. Please make sure you are prepared and submit your preferences on time.

Also beginning today, April 6th, is the short fleet transition bid. In addition, the Local will meet on Wednesday, April 8^th, to discuss the upcoming summer fleet bid and any anticipated changes.

Also in Cargo, members will be able to submit their preferences starting April 7th for both full-time and part-time Lead Service positions.

Bidding will officially open on Tuesday, April 14^th, through the bidding hub. On Friday, April 17th, Fleet Service relief postings will be available, with relief bids due by Friday, April 24th.

The week of April 27th through May 1st will be designated as training week, as required. The new Cargo bid will take effect starting Monday, May 4^th.

Before we close this update, we want to address and put to rest a rumor that has been circulating.

President Elvira has not moved on to the TWU International. Juan remains fully committed and continues to serve as the President of Local 512.

At the last convention, he was elected to the International Executive Council. This role, along with those of other selected, gives him a voice in how the International operates and moves forward. This is not a departure—it’s an added responsibility that strengthens our Local’s voice at a higher level.

Make no mistake, our President is still here and will continue working hard every day on behalf of the members of Local 512.

Fraternally,

Mike Szwed

Vice President – TWU Local 512

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Michael J Quill Scholarship 2026

All TWU Local Members 2026 Michael J. Quill Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for the Michael J. Quill Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will offer fifteen (15) college-bound dependents of TWU members a scholarship worth $4800.00. This scholarship will be paid out each year in the amount of $1200.

Download:

Scholarship-Application-2026.pdf

American Airlines Lawsuit Over Uniforms Scuttled

The long-running class action lawsuit against American Airlines over allegedly toxic employee uniforms has hit a major setback, as a federal judge has officially scuttled the bellwether trials scheduled for this summer. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. granted summary judgment in favor of American Airlines Inc. and Twin Hill Acquisition Co. Inc.