Local 512

April 25, 2026

My fellow 512 family,

We want to provide an important update on recent FAA decisions affecting flight operations in Chicago, as well as summer schedule increases planned by both United Airlines and American Airlines.

As many of you know, the FAA has continued to manage congestion and air traffic capacity challenges in the Chicago area, particularly at O’Hare International Airport. In response to runway, staffing, and traffic flow concerns, the FAA has maintained temporary schedule limitations designed to reduce delays and improve operational reliability during peak travel periods.

For the upcoming summer schedule, United Airlines and American Airlines will need to reduce their flight activity in Chicago. After reviewing the FAA-approved measure adjustments while keeping restrictions in place, United will reduce flights by 200, and American will reduce flights by 40. In practical terms, this means more flying opportunities than previously anticipated, but not a full return to unrestricted scheduling. 

Additionally, American Airlines has made progress in regaining gate access at ORD. They regained the three gates they lost to United Airlines.

This is a significant development as gate availability directly impacts scheduling opportunities, aircraft utilization, staffing needs, and long-term competitive positioning at Chicago O’Hare. Expanded gate access strengthens America’s operational footprint and may create additional opportunities for our members.

In other news, the company plans to conduct voluntary employee surveys in various departments throughout the system. Employees who choose to participate will do so on paid duty time for approximately two hours.

If the opportunity arises, please be thoughtful and deliberate in what you communicate. Contract negotiations are approaching, and as always, TWU will also conduct its own membership survey to ensure your priorities are clearly heard at the bargaining table.

This company survey is an opportunity for management to hear directly from employees. We encourage members to use their voice honestly and professionally to share real workplace experiences, concerns, and ideas for improvement. Your perspective matters, and candid feedback is one of the strongest tools we have.

As always, I will be available at the field office on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. If you have questions or would like to discuss what the survey may entail from the union’s perspective, please stop by.

On the remaining days, I will be out in the field meeting with our members and gathering as much feedback as possible. Please note that this Tuesday will be reserved for our membership meetings.

Our Vice President, Mike Szwed, will be on a well-deserved vacation for the coming week. If you need assistance regarding discipline matters or grievances during that time, please contact Amy Locke at the field office. 

We renewed our verbal agreement with the managing director that breaks are not to be given in the first 30 minutes of one’s shift. We are also in discussion about returning that responsibility to our crew chiefs. 

We continue to see issues with crews not receiving their last break from control. If you are placed in that situation, file an exception. If the exception is denied or not approved, file a grievance. Also, a reminder, breaks do not roll over in mandatory overtime. They must be given during your regular shift. 

Another benefits reminder: For members in their last 5 years or so of employment and considering retirement, it can be very beneficial to bank your sick time. Unused sick time may be converted to an RHA, so it is important to complete the necessary form. It does not stop you from continuing to use or future withdrawal from the plan. But it is an added enhancement if you are an active employee and pass away. It ensures your spouse will have that RHA transferred to them.

Also, married members should consider applying for the enhanced annuitized pension option. If you pass away before you begin collecting your pension, this option can provide your spouse with up to 100% of your pension benefit. Be sure to review the paperwork and submit the appropriate forms if this fits your family’s needs.

Sincerely and fraternally.

Juan Elvira

President – TWU Local 512

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