Local 512

March 14, 2026

My fellow 512 family,

Southwest Airlines announced that it will discontinue all of its flights at O’Hare beginning June 4, 2026. The airline entered the O’Hare market only a few years ago, but has now decided to shift its Chicago operations entirely back to Chicago Midway Airport. This decision is part of their broader network strategy and follows intense competition from the larger carriers operating at O’Hare.

While airline industry changes can sometimes create uncertainty, this particular move could bring long-term benefits for our members by strengthening American Airlines’ position at one of the busiest airports n the country.

I want to take a moment to remind all of our members about ABR local driving and our operations at the gate.

When it comes to ABR local drivers, we all need to work together and support one another to keep the operation moving. Whether you’re assigned as an ABR local driver or working at the gate, teamwork is essential. If you see a fellow member who needs assistance with moving or delivering bags, step in and help when you can. Our goal is to ensure bags reach our passengers as quickly and safely as possible.

We also want to remind everyone about the proper procedure when using Kin Care or FMLA to leave work early.

If you need to leave early for Kin Care or Family Leave, you must notify management before leaving the work area. Members cannot simply decide to leave on their own. You are required to contact your Crew Chief and notify management so they are aware of the situation, and the operation can be adjusted accordingly.

Following the proper process helps protect you and ensures there are no misunderstandings about your attendance. Communication with your CC and management is important whenever you need to leave your shift early.

If you have any questions regarding Kin Care or FMLA procedures, please reach out to your union leadership for guidance.

We have had several members reach out to us with questions about mandatory overtime and the notification process.

The company has implemented a system to notify employees when they are placed on the mandatory overtime list. You may receive an email from Work Strategy confirming that you have been placed on the list.

However, it is important for everyone to understand that these notifications do not remove the responsibility of the company and its managers to notify you in person that you have been assigned mandatory overtime. That requirement has not changed.

Electronic notifications may be part of the process, but management is responsible for directly informing you when you are required to work mandatory overtime.

We still have several members who have not responded to emails from our Senior Field Office Coordinator, Amy Locke, regarding your union benefits through Acrisure. It is important that you respond as soon as possible. Some members may not currently be paying the correct amount toward their union benefits, and this needs to be reviewed to ensure everything is accurate.

Please be advised that our Field Office Coordinator, Amy Locke, will be on vacation next week and is scheduled to return on the 24^th. If you have any business that would normally require her assistance, or any questions during that time. Please. Feel free to reach out to me.

We would like to share a special message from our Vice President of Local 512, Mike Szwed, regarding the work that has been fought for and will be performed by our Facility Maintenance Mechanics.

Call TO ACTION M&R FACILITY MAINTENANCE

On Friday, March 6, 2026, your Local 512 President, Juan Elvira, and Vice President Mike Szwed met with Phil Gargula and Gil Ornelaz. The meeting was held to discuss the ongoing Jetbridge Refresh Project. There are fifteen jetbridges that need attention. The TWU/IAM Association mechanics have been completing many of the items on the jetbridge punch list. The goal of the refresh project is to prepare American Airlines' jetbridges for additional flights in Chicago during the spring and summer. The last item to address is the painting of the jetbridge. At the March 6th meeting, they expressed their desire to outsource the painting work, to which we told them that it is not an option.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, we reconvened to discuss the project and the Association's commitment to the work we own under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. On Wednesday, we met with outgoing Director Paul Guentert and his replacement, the new Director Birgir (Biggi) Haraldsson. We stressed to Mr. Haraldsson that in the past, we had to fight to keep work that was rightfully ours. We must prove to the company that we can meet the demands, work schedule, and deliver on time. 

This leads us to where we landed on this work. Painting within a bridge is our work, and they have conceded as much. Mr. Haraldsson would like to start his new position on the right foot and give our Facility Maintenance mechanics the benefit of the doubt. The deadline for completing this project is June 1, 2026. The painting work needs to be completed on the third shift, and the Company will provide overtime to ensure the project is completed on schedule. The plan is to get two (2) bridges per night with two (2) mechanics per bridge. There will be ample opportunities to work overtime, but we need our mechanics to sign up. The focus of the painting work is on the gutters on each side of the floor, the cab area, the end caps, and the ceilings. We have agreed to a look-back on April 17, 2026, to make sure we are on schedule. Let's show the Company why work is better when done by proud members of TWU Local 512. 

Sincerely and fraternally,

Juan Elvira

President – TWU Local 512

Mike Szwed

Vice President – TWU Local 512

TWU Local 512 is proud to announce the Local 512 app for your smartphone is available for download in the Apple store and the Google play store.
 click the iTunes or Google Play logos below to download the app today!