Local 512

September 13, 2025

My fellow 512 family,

Starting September 15, 2025, American Airlines management will begin a test phase in ramp operations at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). During this trial, ABR drivers will be responsible for delivering local baggage from the arriving aircraft, in addition to their regular duties of handing connecting bags. This added workload has led the company to include additional lines in the ABR for the upcoming fall bid.

As part of this plan, ABR drivers will continue to receive their assignments through the Rovrs, which will indicate whether the work involves transfers or locals. However, members should be aware that management is not permitted to use the Rovrs to lead and direct in sending specific task messages or in person. If you find yourself in this type of situation, please document or take a pic of the message outlining specific tasking by the allocator. We will have stewards monitoring this new plan.

In addition to this plan, gate crews will be responsible for cart placement and setup for the ABR drivers. Widebody support will continue to be assigned by control allocators. Another change is that the gate Crew Chief will no longer perform offload scans for all arrivals. Instead, ABR drivers will handle scanning during the offload process for both connecting and local bags.

The company has said that this plan is in line with MIA and CLT Hubs, which have been involved with this change to the local baggage delivery. If you have any questions, contact us at the field office.

We understand this new plan may be a shock to many from how things were done in the past. But please do not deviate from their strategy and continue to work safely. We don’t want the company to find a reason to discipline if their plan is not working. 

This past week, I was at the International Executive Board meetings in preparation for the TWU International Convention. The board has key responsibilities focused on leadership, oversight, preparation, and rule enforcement. The TWU International Constitution defines the Board’s duties, and it acts as the primary administrative and policy body until the convention convenes. The Board’s decisions before a convention help set the agenda and frame major issues for democratic debate and delegate voting during the actual convention. 

Safety updates, our safety steward continues to find many tractors without their brakes set. Let’s avoid any more of these situations and remember to put the brakes on at all times. The safety audits also discovered that safety rails are not being used. Remember to set your safety rails on all aircraft to avoid anyone falling. If you have any safety concerns, you can contact us at the field office or the hall.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Juan Elvira

President – TWU Local 512

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