Are you confused about how FMLA, medical leaves, or how the new Pink Contract provisions actually work? In this episode of AirWaves, TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary KeyAnder Early sits down with TWU Local 556 Board Member at Large and Union Leave Specialist Ann Claire Crawford to demystify the entire leave process. You'll learn the crucial difference between TFP and duty hours for FMLA qualification, how to properly protect your health insurance while away, and the incredible new parent benefits—including paid parental leave and extended bonding time—included in our Pink Contract. Don't risk your job or coverage by missing a critical deadline: Watch now to arm yourself with the facts and get the Union support you deserve!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BB6hYVEzlWIkH_z0KPIJaTA1XelLNnLx/view

This week, AirWaves: News is back with more updates for Members on happenings at TWU Local 556. In this Friday, August 21, episode, hear about:

• The Executive Board’s meeting with high-level executives from Southwest Airlines, including the company’s COO, the VP of Air Operations, the Inflight VP and the VP of Labor Relations.
• Update on our group grievance case about using pass privileges while on a leave and a reminder of the Mid-year Grievance Update available to Members.
• And more!

Listen for the latest on:

• Full debrief of the rebid issue we experienced in July, and how will similar issues will be handled by the Company going forward
• KCM going to CMAP – the latest on the tech issues and how can Members protect themselves from being late
• New 35-minute report time for Max8/-800 going smoothly – learn what to do with those extra 5 minutes and how to keep your transportation in check
• Max7 is on its way – hear more on when we anticipate that model being added to the fleet
• Membership meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. CT

Ever wonder why your schedule looks the way it does or why your favorite pairings aren't all grouped together? Does the company write the lines, or is that the Union? And what does the Scheduling Committee do? In this episode of Airwaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, host Josh Rosenberg sits down with Xander Ricker, Co-Chair of the TWU Local 556 Scheduling Committee, to demystify the complex process of building monthly bid packets. Discover how your fellow Flight Attendants advocate for you by fighting for better work opportunities, increased "purity” in lines, and better weekend-off statistics—all while navigating strict contract metrics and Southwest's staffing demands. Whether you're curious about how international overnights are packaged or want to know the truth behind the "balloon effect" of scheduling, this deep dive reveals the hard work and dedication that goes into making your work life as friendly as possible.

This week's AirWaves: News edition breaks down the issues impacting Flight Attendants right now. Hear directly from your Union leadership on:

· July rebid issues – what led to the disruption and why the Union filed a group grievance

· Latest on KCM going to CMAP

· SWAPA’s side letter on the MAX 8

· Upcoming Town Hall and Membership Meeting

It's a quick, informative update with the knowledge you need to know on the go, straight from your Union.

From putting more money back in your pocket to serving as our collective voice on Capitol Hill, one of the many benefits of our Unionized workgroup is representation from the TWU’s Committee on Political Education (COPE). In this must-watch episode of Airways, TWU Local 556 leaders break down how the COPE fights for Flight Attendants. From battling for tax deductions on overtime to securing secondary cockpit barriers and lactation accommodations in the FAA reauthorization, COPE is our front line in the legislative arena. Because Union dues cannot be used for political campaigns by law, Members’ voluntary contributions to the COPE fund are utilized to build relationships with lawmakers—from ALL parties—who support Flight attendant issues. Find out more about how COPE helps ensure that when laws are written, Flight Attendant's perspectives are not ignored.

Helping Members with personal emergencies and attendance issues, managing through grievances, and interfacing with Management on behalf of the Flight Attendants of Southwest Airlines – it’s all a day in the life for a DEBM who is using the power of the Union to advocate for Members! In this episode of Airwaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, Second Vice President Josh Rosenberg sits down with Domicile Executive Board Members (DEBMs) Kristie Scarbrough from Dallas, Patrick Paladino from Orlando, and Edward Marq from Houston to discuss their vital roles as Union representatives in their bases. These elected officials serve three-year terms as the direct point of contact for Flight Attendants, acting as liaisons who advocate for Members in dealings with Management and helping Members understand and utilize the protections available to them through their Contract. Listen as DEBMs share insights into their collaborative efforts with Members and between DEBMs at different bases to help Members get the most out of their careers as Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants.

Navigating the high-stakes world of summer flying can be exhausting, but understanding your rights under the fatigue policy is crucial for staying safe and protected on the line. In this episode, Jannah Dalak, a Flight Attendant and Member of the Fatigue Review Committee, chats with TWU Local 556 Secretary KeyAnder Early to break down everything from identifying cognitive or emotional signs of exhaustion to the exact steps for reporting fatigue to scheduling. You’ll learn how the committee conducts a seven-day look-back to distinguish between operational and non-operational causes in this non-punitive, voluntary safety program. Whether you are tackling your first red-eye or managing back-to-back pairings, this discussion offers practical tips to help you perform your duties safely and confidently.