Local 512

May 10, 2025

My fellow 512 family,

This week, we are at the (GRB) grievance review board in Chicago, at the IAM 141 main office. Our system docket shows an uptick in discipline actions related to attendance issues and terminations among our union members system-wide. The GRB is a critical platform where the TWU/IAM association and management address disciplinary, contractual, and termination grievances. 

As a union member, you are reminded that you are entitled to union representation during any investigatory meeting that could lead to disciplinary action, including attendance. Exercise these rights to protect yourself against potential coercion and ensure a fair and transparent process. TWU Local 512 remains committed to advocating for its members, particularly during heightened disciplinary scrutiny. 

We encourage all members to stay informed about their rights and to seek representation when facing potential disciplinary action. We have seen too many times that members decline union representation during attendance hearings. 

Taking proactive steps to build better attendance habits is vital before it becomes a concern. We understand that personal challenges, transportation issues, or time management problems exist. But allow yourself to make meaningful adjustments. Making small, consistent changes now can prevent larger consequences later.

Contact us at the field office or the hall with any questions. You are not alone; we are here to help you. 

Understanding the lawsuit filed by American Airlines against the City of Chicago over how airport gates are being reassigned at O’Hare. The city is relocating five gates to United Airlines but taking four of these gates from American Airlines. The company states that this goes against a lease agreement from 2018, which outlines how gate assignments would be handled. They claim the city wasn’t honest during the process, and United had quietly secured this deal over a year ago. 

United has joined the legal fight, saying American Airlines is not using all the gates it already has. The city is expected to make a final decision by June 1^st, and the changes will take effect on October 1^st. 

A notice we see every year in spring, management will start cracking down on the uniform policy across the system. They have witnessed members working in yoga or stretch pants, wearing Crocs or flip-flops, or other non-compliant items while working on the AOA. Please don’t get in their cross-hair and comply with wearing your uniform.

In our weekly meeting with local management, we discussed the company’s hydration plan for the summer. It will continue to be the same plan as last year: distribution of bottled water, hydration packets, and a T5 cooling van. It is also wise to bring your refill bottle to work. The Union will continue to provide Electrolyte freeze popsicles at the field office. We have ordered about 9,000 freeze pops for the summer. We also received 24 carts, 20 wasps, and 50 additional LD3 for the summer operation. We expressed further concerns about the L-side and assigning late trips, and the company will have conversations with their allocators about this situation. We also addressed shuttle bus issues on the routes with rolling stops. 

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.
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