Local 512

July 5, 2025

My fellow 512 family,

Whether you were able to take the day off or were one of the many members who stayed on the job to keep American Airlines moving, we thank you for your continued dedication and sacrifice.

As the summer ramps up, so do the demands on our workforce. American Airlines is currently working to stabilize and rebuild its operations here at Chicago O’Hare. With increased passenger traffic, tighter flight schedules, staffing imbalances, and shifting ramp procedures, our members are being pushed harder than ever. Unfortunately, we continue to see signs that management is still struggling to get a firm grip on the many issues that have emerged during this summer schedule.

From poor planning and last-minute gate changes to understaffing at critical times, the operation continues to suffer from a lack of operational maturity. This is not just a matter of miscommunication; it’s a fundamental disconnect between planning and execution. While management experiments with strategies, it’s our front-line union family who bear the burden, as the responsibility continues to fall on those forced to clean up the mess, often without the proper support or resources. The very members are keeping the system running despite the chaos. 

In times like these, the value of our experienced Crew chiefs cannot be overstated. These are the leaders who know how to troubleshoot on the fly, guide crews through pressure-filled shifts, and bring real-time awareness to a fast-moving operation. We urge management to recognize that relying solely on data, without the guidance of human leadership and on-the-ground experience, will only continue to result in inefficiencies and delays. 

We’re holding the company accountable for the choices it makes while continuing to advocate for better staffing, improved planning, and the inclusion of veteran voices, such as our Crew chiefs, in decision-making processes. TWU Local 512 will continue to fight for safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations. That’s why strong union representation is more important now than ever, not just for the company’s bottom line, but for the well-being of our members and the future of our workforce. 

At the same time, we are proud to be entering our fourth year of operating our on-site field office right on the ramp. This office has become an essential part of how we support our members, offering a space for direct communication, fast problem-solving, and a consistent union presence where it’s needed most. Members now have easier access to leadership, guidance, and resources without having to leave the field. 

This level of service and support didn’t happen overnight. It was made possible through thoughtful financial planning and the commitment of our 512-union leadership to protect and grow our resources. TWU Local 512 is operating with the strongest treasury in our history. That financial strength has allowed us to invest directly in services that benefit you, from the ramp office to new technology like the Electronic Grievance process and more to come. 

In response to the growing need for transparency and accountability in safety reporting. TWU Local 512 is proud to announce that we are actively developing our own internal Safety Reporting app. Unlike the current GSAP (safety concerns) process, which often leaves members in the dark, this new app will provide a more transparent and practical approach. This new platform will empower our members to submit, track, and follow up on safety concerns in real-time. Our goal is to provide you with a tool that is union-led, member-driven, and designed with your safety and voice in mind. 

We thank each of you for your contributions. Let’s carry the spirit of this holiday forward as we continue to stand firm, united as one. 

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!