Local 512

November 8, 2025

My fellow 512 family,

We want to alert you to significant operational changes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The FAA has announced that it will reduce domestic flight operations by up to 10% at 40 major U.S. airports, including Chicago (ORD), citing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who are working without pay. 

If the shutdown continues, the FAA has noted reductions could go beyond 10%, which would further amplify these effects. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. 

There is an indication that the cuts are most likely to be applied to regional flights and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between hubs. That means for ramp members, the most significant risk is in regional or small-market work rather than in the mainline feeder hubs.

The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following statement after the FAA announced flight reductions in the coming days at major airports across the country:

“The TWU calls on Congress to end the shutdown without delay. The longest federal government shutdown in history has strained the aviation system and its workers to unacceptable levels of stress and disruption. 

TWU members, particularly those in customer-facing roles, such as Gate Agents, Ramp Workers, and Flight Attendants, face increased passenger aggression if widespread flight disruptions occur in the coming days. Our Flight Attendants also face the additional burden of disrupted schedules and being stranded due to flight delays and cancellations.

TWU workers and the American flying public deserve a fully operational aviation system. It is time for Congress to act.”

Throughout this past week, we’ve received several questions and concerns from our membership about how the ongoing government shutdown and FAA flight restrictions might affect everyone working here in Chicago and across the system, specifically whether the company could begin the process of layoffs. 

Let us be clear: while this shutdown is creating uncertainty and some operational disruptions, we do not believe it will result in a complete shutdown. Air Traffic Controllers and TSA employees are classified as essential workers. They will continue working, although without pay, until the federal government resolves this impasse. 

What we may see —and already have seen in some areas —are flight cancellations and delays due to limited staffing, sick calls, and increased stress among these critical federal employees. These factors can cause ripple effects across the system, but they do not indicate a complete halt to operations. 

As for layoffs, our local 512 union’s position is that it would not be in the company’s best interest to begin that process. Laying off trained workers takes time and disrupts operational readiness; rehiring can take 45 days or even longer in a volatile aviation environment, where schedules. Can rebound quickly, the company cannot afford to lose skilled employees who keep the operation running safely and efficiently. 

Please be advised that staffing for Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025) has been reduced to match the lower flight schedule for that day. A list of employees assigned an involuntary Holiday off is posted at k19 and sent via AA email. 

We will continue to assist you with your AA benefit enrollment at the field office, and you have until November 19^th. 

If you have any other concerns, please contact the field office or the hall.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Juan Elvira

President – TWU Local 512

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