Local 512

July 11, 2026

My fellow 512 family,

I want to make everyone aware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to continue restricting flight activity at Chicago O’Hare International Airport through next year. This decision is intended to help manage congestion, improve operational reliability, and reduce delays, even as ongoing operational challenges persist at one of the nation’s busiest airports. However, the underlying issue may be the shortage of staff that has plagued the FAA systemwide. 

Since the FAA has already had flight restrictions in place during the summer, we have not seen any significant changes in overall operations or staffing levels at Chicago O’Hare. At this time, we do not anticipate that these extended restrictions will have an immediate impact on our members’ day-to-day work. The TWU Local 512 will continue to closely monitor any operational changes that may result from these restrictions, including any impacts to flight schedules, staffing, or daily ramp operations.

This past week, we attended the Grievance Review Board (GRB), which was held in Chicago at the IAM Air Transport Territory 141 Headquarters. During the meetings, we presented and reviewed several grievances on behalf of our members, including cases involving terminations, disciplinary actions, and disputes over contractual language. 

At the conclusion of the Grievance Review Board (GRB), the TWU-IAM Association Negotiating Committee met to discuss scheduling and establish timelines as we prepare for the upcoming contract negotiations in the spring of 2027. Planning and preparation are already underway, and we’re continuing to position ourselves to meet with the company and advocate for the strongest possible agreement for our members.

In a recent conversation with the Senior Vice President of Operations for the system. Based on that discussion, we believe the company may begin taking a much closer look at attendance and sick leave usage.

We want to remind everyone that you have a contractual right to use your earned sick leave when you have a legitimate illness or bona fide need to be off work. At the same time, the company has indicated that it will pay closer attention to situations where it believes sick leave is being abused.

As your union, we recommend using your sick leave for its intended purpose. If you are dealing with a serious health condition or an ongoing medical issue, you should also consider whether you may qualify for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) or another approved medical leave of absence. These programs may provide additional protections depending on your circumstances.

If you have any questions about your options or rights, or need assistance with an FMLA or medical leave request, please don’t hesitate to stop by the Local 512 field office. We’re here to answer your questions, help you understand your rights, and support you through the process.

A few weeks ago, we met with American Airlines bag room management, along with representatives from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) responsible for maintaining the bag room’s air handling units. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss members’ concerns regarding the air filters and the overall air quality in the bagroom. 

During the meeting, the Assistant Chief Operating Engineer explained that all air-handling units are monitored via the Siemens Building Automation System. This system uses Magnehelic differential pressure gauges to continuously measure the condition of the air filters. Based on those readings, the system monitors filter performance and determines when the filters need to be replaced.

The engineer walked us through how the system works and showed us photographs of the magnehelic gauges and the monitoring process. Under normal conditions, the air filters are typically replaced every three to four months. However, if the pressure readings indicate that a filter has reached its replacement threshold sooner, it is changed immediately.

The filters were recently changed in the bagroom; the engineer stated there were no indications of issues with indoor air quality. Even so, we understand our members’ concerns, and your local 512 will continue to monitor the situation with both AA and the CDA to ensure the bagroom remains a safe working environment. 

If you have any concerns about air quality or other safety issues in the bagroom or on the ramp, please contact one of our safety stewards or stop by the field office. Our safety team is always available to assist and advocate on your behalf.

Just a reminder, join us on Wednesday, July 15^th, as we celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of TWU Local 512 at the Casa Italia Pavilion Festival Center, located at 37^th & Soffel, Stone Park, IL, 60165. The doors open at 10:00 am, and the event runs until 6:00 pm.

We encourage everyone to arrive early to avoid being directed to remote parking once the lots are full. 

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone together and thank all of our members for being part of 80 years of solidarity, strength, and service.

We hope to see you there!

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!