Local 512

June 14, 2025

My fellow 512 family,

During the height of the pandemic, American Airlines introduced the concept of Dynamic Manning – a reactive workforce model driven by artificial intelligence, aiming to optimize labor in real-time through a program called GS Real Time. The company positioned this shift as a necessary adaptation to pandemic uncertainty, but in reality, it served as a testing ground for cost-cutting through automation and data-driven staffing. 

Over the past five years, the company has invested significant resources in refining GS Real Time, with the intention of addressing issues such as crew shortages, last-minute adjustments, and staffing inefficiencies. But the results speak for themselves:

• System-wide instability: From Chicago O’Hare to other stations and beyond. GS Real Time has consistently failed to reflect the realities on the ground, leaving critical positions uncovered and pushing crews to the brink.
• Human cost: Fleet Service agents and Crew Chiefs have been repeatedly reassigned with little to no notice, often expected to perform multiple jobs simultaneously, leading to fatigue, confusion, and an increase in workplace injuries.
• Broken trust: Decisions once guided by experienced Crew chiefs are now determined by a faceless algorithm with no understanding of the local operation. Union input has been ignored, and frontline insight dismissed. 
• No measurable gain: Despite years of adjustments, GS Real Time has not delivered improvements in safety, efficiency, or morale; it has added to the chaos. 

And now, this week marks the worst summer bid in the history of Chicago O’Hare. The impact of GS Real Time and dynamic manning has never been more visible: Poor staffing, chaotic shift assignments, unworkable overage, and growing frustration among our members who want to do their jobs safely and effectively. We all knew of the increase in flights for the summer of 2025. In 2024, the company had a year to plan an effective plan. But drop the ball and is responsible for all this chaos. 

This five-year experiment has failed. What began as a pandemic-era solution has become a long-term disaster. It’s time for American Airlines to stop hiding behind AI and return to common-sense, experience-based scheduling and union collaboration.

Thanks to the persistence and dedication of our TWU Local 512 Field Office Coordinator, Amy Locke, a long-standing issue for our members is finally being addressed.

Our members have faced overpayment problems when choosing to comp their holidays, especially when the holiday falls at the beginning of the month. This has caused financial confusion and unfair repayment demands. Amy consistently pushed back, raised concerns, and demanded solutions on behalf of our union family.

Due to her efforts, you will now have the ability to compensate your holidays directly in the new Workbrain Employee Time Management (EMT) form. This change will help prevent future payroll errors related to holiday compensation. 

We thank Amy for her commitment and remind all members to stay informed and continue reporting any irregularities so that we can continue to fight for fair treatment. You can find more information on how to use this EMT, is in your AA email. 

During this week’s meeting with management, the following key issues were addressed: T5 cargo stands. It was emphasized that if no cargo stand is present at T5, members must immediately notify their manager to ensure it is resolved promptly. Support assignments must align with the gate crew’s assignments. Crews should not be left waiting without communication or adequate coverage.

The company’s recently introduced push and pull procedures have been officially canceled. The Transport Worker Union Local 512 was never in agreement with this new plan, as it raised several safety concerns, and it will no longer be in effect. 

Lastly, we advised the company of the need for relief in the bagroom due to several piers having an abundance of flights and the need to open more piers to avoid misloads and safety concerns. 

This weekend, we honor the strength, dedication, and love that all our 512 union fathers bring, not only to their families but also to the workplace. Whether you’re leading at home or leading on the ramp, your commitment does not go unnoticed.

From all of us at Local 512, thank you for everything you do. Have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Father’s Day.

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!