TWU Local 556

The Passenger called her his “angel” during the flight. Shortly after landing, he became unresponsive. For Flight Attendant Nina Castro, what happened next brought years of training into focus. Her Crew, along with two nurses on board, worked together to help save the Passenger’s life. On this episode of AirWaves, Nina joins CISM Chairperson Eileen Rodriguez to share the experience, the emotional reunion that followed and what she wants fellow Flight Attendants to know about being prepared—and receiving support from her Union and others afterward. A powerful reminder of the safety work Flight Attendants do and the importance of looking out for one another. #TWU556 #AirWaves

Registration for the October Town Hall at 1300 CT is now open. This is an opportunity to connect directly with Union Leaders, ask questions, and join the conversation in a more casual, virtual setting than a traditional Membership Meeting. You can submit questions in advance to [email protected]. Members can register here: twu556.org/webinar-registrat…

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the TWU Future Leaders Organizing Committee (FLOC) met in Washington, D.C., to focus on on grassroots labor mobilization, to empower and educate Union workers across the airline, transit, and rail industries. TWU Local 556 was proud to represent our Flight Attendants and sharped our skills to help organize to help others. #TWU556 @transportworker

The latest Airwaves: Union News Edition is here! 1st Vice President Sam Wilkins and 2nd Vice President Josh Rosenberg share updates on Union governance, leadership and financial planning—and what these mean for Members. Stay connected: Mark your calendar for the October 29 Town Hall and November 13 Membership Meeting. #TWU556 #AirWaves #Podcast #flightattendants

In a special episode of AirWaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, Flight Attendant and TWU Local 556 Member Alex Jeffers shares her breast cancer journey. Her story is completely unexpected: While volunteering in the DEN lounge during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Alex was inspired to pay closer attention to her own breast health. A self-exam led her to discover a lump — and began a journey through diagnosis, treatment and, eventually, a return to the aircraft. 🎧 Listen to Alex’s story on AirWaves and share it. You never know who may need to hear it. AirWaves can be watched or listened to on our YouTube channel or wherever you listen to podcasts. youtu.be/2v5Uj2s7gCI #TWU556 #AirWaves

Before every flight, you check the cabin. This month, check yourself. Breast cancer awareness starts with taking action — for ourselves and for the people we care about. 💗 One reminder. One conversation. One appointment. It could make an important difference. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #TWU556

National Voter Registration Day is today, bringing communities together across the country to help people register to vote and get #VoteReady. Flight Attendants live and work across the country—and the laws and policies that affect our jobs are shaped by elected officials. Take a few minutes to: ☑️ Check your voter registration at vote.org. ☑️ Register if you're not already registered. ☑️ Make sure your information is up to date.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities—and the many voices and experiences that strengthen our Union. At TWU Local 556, we know there is power in standing together. Our different backgrounds, traditions and stories make us stronger, while our shared commitment to one another brings us together as one Union family. From September 15 through October 15, we proudly recognize and celebrate our Hispanic and Latino Members and the contributions they make to our Union, our workplace and our communities. Unidos, Somos Más. Together, we are stronger.

Today, September 11, we pause to honor and remember the 25 Flight Attendants and eight Pilots - our Unionized Sisters and Brothers - who lost their lives 25 years ago. On that day, they boarded their flights as they did any other day, dedicated to the safety, care and comfort of their passengers. When faced with unimaginable terror, they responded with extraordinary courage and quick thinking. They demonstrated extreme selflessness. They served others until their final moments, and they died as true heroes. In the face of unthinkable danger, the bravery of those Crew Members led directly to vital intelligence, warning authorities and revealing the true nature of the attacks. Their decisive actions, and the safety protocols born from their supreme sacrifice, laid the foundation for the security measures that protect Flight Crews and Passengers around the world today. Every flight we take today is safer because of what they endured and fought for in those critical moments. We pledge to never forget their sacrifice. It is up to each and every one of us to ensure that their contributions to aviation safety, their heroism, and their names live on forever in our hearts and actions. Read their names today, and consider the sacrifice. #NeverForget

TWU Local 556 stands united with working people everywhere. Across industries, workplaces and communities, our strength has always come from standing together — supporting one another, protecting one another and raising our collective voice for dignity, fairness and respect on the job. We are proud to stand with our Union Siblings across the Labor Movement today and every day. When labor stands together, we are stronger. Happy Labor Day! #LaborDay #UnionStrong #Solidarity #TWU556

This September, make connection a priority. For Flight Attendants, work can sometimes mean being away from home, constantly meeting new crews and feeling isolated. A simple check-in can make a difference. Try this: 🫂 Check in with a coworker who may be struggling. 🫂 Ask more than “How are you?” 🫂 Listen without judgment. 🫂 Be willing to start the conversation. Throughout September, the TWU Local 556 CISM Team will be visiting bases to connect with Members, share resources, and talk about mental health and suicide prevention. Stop by. Say hello. Start a conversation. Good news: CISM is always here for you 24/7. Speak confidentially with a trained and qualified Southwest Flight Attendant peer. Call them at (214) 640-4380 today.

TWU Local 556 is aware of an incident upon landing at Miami International Airport (MIA) involving a Prime Air flight #7598. Anytime there is an accident or incident in our industry, our first thoughts are with those affected. We also know the stress news like this can have on our Members. For those of you in need of support, Critical Incident Stress Management is available. You can contact CISM 24/7 by calling (214) 640-4380. Keep in mind that CISM isn’t just for duty-related incidents; the CISM Team is fully trained and available to support you through life events as well. For those of you who are scheduled to fly through MIA, please monitor your schedules for any changes due to this developing event.

An unexpected injury can raise a lot of questions. Know your rights and responsibilities. In the second part of TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary KeyAnder Early’s conversation with TWU Local 556 Board Member at Large and Union Leave Specialist Ann Claire Crawford, AirWaves breaks down what Members need to know about On-the-Job Injuries (OJI) and workers’ compensation. Get the facts on: - What to do immediately after an OJI - Protecting yourself from unnecessary attendance points - Navigating state-specific requirements - Using the new Workday system - Protecting your pay and benefits Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch here: youtu.be/pfTFkYOSWxQ

FMLA, medical leaves and new parent provisions don’t have to be confusing. In AirWaves Ep. 8, TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary KeyAnder Early and Board Member at Large and Union Leave Specialist Ann Claire Crawford break down TFP vs. duty hours, health coverage, new parent benefits and critical deadlines. 🎙️ Watch or listen now on podcast platforms. youtu.be/8sm9CuLng1w

Our CISM Team stands ready to provide peer support and resources to any Member who may be impacted after hearing about this event. Everyone processes events like this differently, and support is available. If you would like to speak with someone, please contact CISM at (214) 640-4380

This week, AirWaves: News Edition 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! #AirWaves #TWU556

Worth a rewatch — because safety doesn’t stop when you leave the aircraft. Here are some practical reminders for keeping yourself — and your Crew — safer during overnights. From protecting your hotel information to securing your room and staying aware of your surroundings, a few simple habits can make a real difference while you’re on the road. Stay aware. Look out for each other. Stay safe. #TWU556 #FlightAttendantLife #UnionStrong

AirWaves News Edition: What You Need to Know This Week - August 7, 2026 Edition Full debrief of the rebid issue we experienced in July, and how similar issues will be handled by the Company going forward KCM going to CMAP – the latest on the tech issues and how Members can 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 Wed, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. CT #TWU556 #AirWaves

Ever wonder why your schedule looks the way it does? Who creates the pairings? How are lines built? And what exactly does the Scheduling Committee do? In the latest episode of Airwaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, host Josh Rosenberg sits down with Scheduling Committee Co-Chair Xander Ricker to pull the curtain back on what goes into the pairings Flight Attendants review during the monthly bidding process. From red-eye flying to the scheduling "balloon effect," this episode breaks down the complex work happening behind the scenes to improve your quality of life. 🎧 Listen now where you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube #TWULocal556 #Airwaves #Podcast #Scheduling #FlightAttendants #UnionStrong youtu.be/0Y5sEiDRTd0