Local 512

April 18, 2026

My fellow 512 family,

Many of you have seen recent headlines and speculation regarding a possible merger involving United Airlines and American Airlines. I want to address this directly and make sure our members hear the facts from their Union.

Currently, there is no announced merger agreement. What exists today are reports, commentary, and public discussion. That means no one should react to rumors or allow outside speculation to create unnecessary fear or confusion.

If any real transaction is ever proposed, this local will expect immediate communication, enforce every available contractual right, and work with our International Union to protect our members at every step. Until then, stay focused, stay informed, and stay united. Rumors do not determine our future. Solidarity does.

We will continue to update the membership with facts, not speculation. 

A recent update, dozens of TWU Division Local Presidents and officers from across the airline industry came together for a full day of meetings focused on strengthening our union and expanding the tools available to better serve our members. The conference included presentations from TWU International staff and officers covering key issues that directly impact our workplaces and our future.

TWU Air Division Director Andre Sutton reminded everyone that our union is built on solidarity and support. “You are a part of a very big family. We are here to lend you a helping hand and provide you with the support you need.”

That message. Reflects exactly what our union stands for. Local 512 is proud to be part of a larger labor movement that fights every day for dignity, fairness, safe workplaces, and opportunity for all members.

We need to address an ongoing operational issue on the ramp that many members have repeatedly raised.

Once again, the company is pushing back against our clear position on line crews operating within a three-in-one base structure. At the same time, management continues to cite language from the American Airlines Ramp Operations Manual when it suits them, while disregarding other portions of their own rules and procedures when it does not.

THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE.

The TWU/IAM job functions and shift bid letter clearly identify line crews as consisting of one Crew Chief and three Fleet Service members. Those same operational expectations also require the scripted turn process to be followed.

The question is simple: how can a crew realistically follow a scripted turn process when they are short-staffed and forced to work with only two members plus one Crew Chief, without relief or replacement staffing?

THEY CANNOT.

When the company chooses not to properly staff a crew and then expects the same performance standards, it creates pressure to cut corners. That pressure leads to shortcuts and creates unnecessary safety risks for our members, our operation, and the traveling public.

Local 512’s position is clear:

• Safe staffing must come first.
• Proper crew complements must be maintained.
• Operational procedures must be realistic and consistently applied.
• Members should never be pressured to take shortcuts.
• Safety rules are not optional when staffing is low.

We also want to address continued confusion regarding ABR assignment.

The company has previously stated, during discussions about expanded ABR duties, that ABR employees are not considered part of the line crew and have separate assigned responsibilities that must be followed.

That understanding cannot now be changed, only when it becomes convenient due to staffing shortages.

If management wants to rely on (ROM) manuals, bid letters, and operational standards, then those standards must be applied honestly and completely, not selectively.

Our members are professionals. They know how to move aircraft safely, efficiently, and on time. But no employee should be expected to make up for poor staffing decisions by risking safety or abandoning established procedures.

Local 512 will continue to press these issues and defend the rights, safety, and professionalism of our members.

WORK SAFE. FOLLOW PROCEDURES. PROTECT YOURSELF AND EACH OTHER.

Other items that need to be addressed:

An important issue that came to our attention following the severe weather events this past week.

Several crews reported that during suspended ramp operations, members were directed to take a lunch break.

Let’s be clear: when suspended operations are in effect, and employees cannot safely leave their assigned work area, members should not be sent to lunch unless they have safe, covered access to the terminal or another indoor location where they can obtain food, rest, and rehydrate. Covered access points include K20, L-side gates, G11, H15, H17, and ABR areas.

Once suspended operations are lifted and employees can safely move throughout the work area and access proper facilities, then lunch breaks may be scheduled in the normal manner.

If you experience issues with lunches during suspended operations, lack of access to shelter, or any unsafe direction from management, please notify us immediately so we can address them.

Benefit item: If you are considering retiring in the next few years, or it may be around the corner. It would be wise to fill out the form to convert your sick bank into a Retiree Health Savings Account. Which pays out half your hourly rate compared to $9.20. You can continue to use your sick time and can cancel at any time. Please stop by the field office for more information.

We have finally received our shipment of TWU Local 512 Lanyards, and they are available at the field office.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Juan Elvira

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!