Local 512

November 22, 2025 

My fellow 512 family,

In a recent interview, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby didn’t hold back when discussing the competitive landscape in Chicago. In contrast, he spoke broadly about challenges across the U.S. aviation system. He directly pointed the finger at American Airlines, suggesting that American is “cooked” in the fight to remain competitive at O’Hare. 

Kirby highlighted what he views as America’s ongoing struggles in Chicago, citing operational inconsistencies, limited growth, and strategic missteps. Can we really argue with his assessment? We have seen all the missteps the company has taken at O’Hare, including the desperate attempt to add regional lines on mainline gates to boost growth. Is he implying that United is widening the gap at ORD while American faces a steep climb to stay in the race?

He also spoke at length about leadership and labor relations, remarking, “I always think of an airline CEO as sort of a football coach. Your first job is motivating employees. The CEO’s I’ve seen over the years who lose labor, once you lose labor, it’s over. It may take a couple of years, but it’s over. The public profile is really important to the employees and your customers.”

His comments underscore the essential role frontline workers play in shaping an airline’s success, and the consequences when leadership fails to maintain trust and credibility. In Chicago and across the system, we have seen this failure: the ship is misguided and has no rudder. 

It’s important to remember that both Scott Kirby and Robert Isom spent only a short portion of their careers at American Airlines, as American Airlines prepares to celebrate its 100^th year in business and service to the world. It is worth noting that both executives actually came up through America West Airlines, before moving into other leadership roles in the industry, which offers only a narrow view of this company’s long history, culture, and operational legacy.

For our TWU Local 512 members, while these two CEO’s battle for dominance of Chicago O’Hare, it’s our members who feel the pressures that often manifest on the ramp in the form of staffing shortages, equipment challenges, shifting operational plans, and increased demands. 

Earlier this month, the company notified us, as they do every year, that flight schedules will be reduced during the Thanksgiving holiday period. This reduction will primarily affect Ramp operations on Thanksgiving, while Cargo operations will see reduced staffing on both Thanksgiving and the following day.

Although the company has the right under Article 22(A)(3) to implement these reductions, it must also follow the JCBA, specifically Article 14(U), which prescribes the proper process and protections for our members.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at the field office or the hall.

For those members who are planning to retire, please remember that if you plan to convert your unused sick time into credits for a Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement (RHRA), you must submit your election request no later than four months before your retirement date or at least five years out to ensure your spouse receives this arrangement if upon death while as an active employee. This RHRA pays half your hourly rate for all sick time, compared to the $9.20 an hour payout. See us at the field office for more information. 

Lastly, be careful about what you post on social media and if it complies with the company policy. We recently received a complaint from pilots about being included in a social posting. 

On behalf of your local leadership, I want to wish every one of you a very special Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you are spending the day with family and friends or working to keep the operation moving, we are grateful for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our union every single day.

Thank you for everything you do. Enjoy a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving.

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!