News and Interviews from TWU Local 555
Our extended interview with Kama and Mahea on the importance of hula, preserving Pacific island history, how they talk story through their dance and advice for mainlanders visiting the islands. Watch the Heritage Month video from the TWU Local 555 Civil & Human Rights Committee here.Website: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
We continue our Heritage Month Podcast Series on location in BHM with Ramp Agent Tony Smith. Tony talks about growing up in Birmingham during the civil rights movement, his ties to one of our country's civil rights heroes, the progress we've made and have yet to make, and what Black History Month means to him. Make sure you check out our Heritage Month Video with Tony as he takes us around to some of the most important locations in the fight for civil rights in Birmingham. https://youtu.be/iQ8Iiy2JNREWebsite: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555*music by Victor Music VH34CSQJR7*music by Akahige/MusicRevolution #676139913
In an extended conversation, President Villaverde looks back at the highs and lows of 2024, and the gains the LEB has attained by working together in the first nine months.He also talks about the strength of our Local and the two issues that our Union must overcome as we grow our solidarity to its fullest potential. Watch the 2025 TWU Local President's Address to the membership here: https://ytube.io/43G1 Website: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
1st Vice President Tony Slavings talks about the role of 1st VP, the progress made and the benefits of building relationships with the new L.E.B. Members, and why it was so vital for the Education Committee to start the year focusing on Article 23 - Attendance.Website: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
2nd VP Bryan Gaulle on getting the call to run for higher service to his Union, the importance of listening before acting, the committees he liaisons, the role of the 2nd VP, and the biggest issues facing our Local moving forward in 2025.
Jason Sonnabaum talks about his lifelong passion for organized labor, the duties of the Treasurer, challenges of the position, and his excitement over the future of the Local.Website: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
Recording Secretary Nicole Salinas is In the Breakroom to talk about her rise as a union advocate, her first term so far, and the duties of the Recording Secretary.Website: www.twu555.orgYoutube: TWU Local 555Facebook: TwuLocal555Instagram: @TWULocal555X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
We are excited to announce the release of TWU Local 555's first ever Spanish Language Collective Bargaining Agreement aka “the Gold Book Contract,” with an interview from the development team that brought this massive undertaking from conception to publication. President of TWU Local 555 Abilio Villaverde, District 2 Representative Edgar Jimenez, Gold Book Negotiator and Civil & Human Rights Committee Member Jesus Gomez Garcia, and MCO Alternate Rep Khayan Martinez talk about the process, including the personal connection they had to this endeavor and why it will be beneficial for all of our Members for years to come. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
Ops Agent and Civil and Human Rights Committee Member Michelle Garay (LAX) is "In the Breakroom" to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month. Michelle talks about her family emigrating to the U.S. from Nicaragua, finding her community, building a family, and the importance of how immigrant values contribute to the strength and prosperity of TWU Local 555 and the United States. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by MusicRevolution & Jamendo
Get to know George Davis from BWI who is serving his first term as District 1 Representative. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
De Mon Murphy is the elected Rep for District 9, the newest district for TWU Local 555. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Get to know Sam Conte, the newly elected Rep from District 8 after years of serving as the alternate. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Mark Kouldelka-SAT is the newly elected Rep from District 5. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Edgar Jimenez, the District 2 Representative from MCO, talks about the early days of his first term. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Get to know George Davis, who is serving his first term as District 1 Representative. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
The show is on the road in SAN to talk with Ramp Agent Ray Perez Pitstick as we honor Pride for the "In the Breakroom x Heritage Month" series. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
The show is on the road in SAN to talk with Ramp Agent Ray Perez Pitstick as we honor Pride for the "In the Breakroom x Heritage Month" series. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the Breakroom on the road in SEA to talk with Ramp Agent Canh Tran as we honor the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our Local, our communities and the country. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the Breakroom with LAS Ramp Agent Larry Fisher as we honor the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our Local, our communities and the country. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President Randy Barnes talks about the State of Our Union in 2024. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
President Randy Barnes talks about the Member participation in the recent survey, the next steps for the Negotiating Committee, and a message for the Members on the holiday season. Sign up for Text Message updates from your Negotiating Committee here Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
Your Negotiating Committee announces the release of the Post Tentative Agreement Survey with details on how to participate and why Member involvement is so important. Sign up for Text Message updates from your Negotiating Committee here Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
Local Executive Board Officers react to the Tentative Agreement vote, the Member turnout, the upcoming survey, and what the Local needs from its Members. President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes, 1st Vice President Jerry McCrummen, 2nd Vice President Albert Barbosa, Treasurer Jessica Hayes, and Recording Secretary Juan Cordova. Sign up for Text Message updates from your Negotiating Committee here Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
Negotiators Ed Green and Melvin Baker are joined by Roy Nabors of the Election Committee to talk about the phone banks going on this week at the TWU Local 555 office. Negotiating Committee Phone Bank: Tuesday 0830-1700, Wednesday 0830-1100a central Election Committee Phone Bank: Tuesday 0830-1700, Wednesday 0830-11:59a central. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes announces a Tentative Agreement with Southwest Airlines. Please watch the comprehensive overview of the Redline Agreement from your Negotiating Committee on our YouTube channel at this link. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWULocal555 X/Twitter: @TwuLocal555
In the final episode for now with your Safety and Health Committee we continue talking about the most pressing issues facing the committee and our members and ways they attack those problems. Thanks to Co-Chair: Karl Mager (TPA) Co-Chair: Steve Riley (DTW) Rudy Del Real (MDW) Dina Enders (LAS) Dan Hilton (PIT) & Randy Smith (PHX) Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In this episode, we talk about the hot-button issues, the concerns they see and hear about the most from our members, and what they are doing about it. Co-Chair: Karl Mager (TPA) Co-Chair: Steve Riley (DTW) Rudy Del Real (MDW) Dina Enders (LAS) Dan Hilton (PIT) Randy Smith (PHX) Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In this episode we meet the entire committee and what inspired them to fight for the safety and health of our members. Co-Chair: Karl Mager (TPA) Co-Chair: Steve Riley (DTW) Rudy Del Real (MDW) Dina Enders (LAS) Dan Hilton (PIT) Randy Smith (PHX) Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In this episode, we learn from the Safety and Health Committee about the resources that should be available in your station and are available at the TWU555.org website. Co-chairs Karl Mager and Steve Riley also talk about what to do if they aren't and the importance of tracking data and trends on safety problems. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
We talk with Co-chairs Karl Mager and Steve Riley about their history with the committee, how the committee fits into the chain of command within the Local and the Company, and the Safety and Health Committee's mission statement. Stick around for the end of the episode for a question we want each member to know the answer to! Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes on the Tentative Agreement reached on Article 18 regarding company-paid parking for all members. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *intro music by Out to the World by Epidemic Sound
"Future Organizing" We end FLOC Week on a high note talking about the committee using all of its tools to help TWU Local 555 define the "Organized" in "Organized Labor." Your Future Leaders Organizing Committee: Chair & Board Liaison D.C. Chriss-MDW, Founder and Co-Chair Chris Lampe-MCI, Co-Chair Nicole Salinas-DAL, Recording Secretary Daja Ruiz-PHX, Social Media Coordinator Cypress McFadden-BWI, Zach Urgento-ALB, Michael Crouch-TPA, Chalmers Tyler-MDW, and Mike West-SEA. (FLOC'er Justin Prellwitz-LAS had a scheduling conflict and will join us in a future interview) Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
The "Future Leaders" episode! The committee talks about the resources available to them, the collaboration with other locals, and the steps they take to make sure that in the "Future," every TWU Local 555 member is a "Leader." Your Future Leaders Organizing Committee: Chair & Board Liaison D.C. Chriss-MDW, Founder and Co-Chair Chris Lampe-MCI, Co-Chair Nicole Salinas-DAL, Recording Secretary Daja Ruiz-PHX, Social Media Coordinator Cypress McFadden-BWI, Zach Urgento-ALB, Michael Crouch-TPA, Chalmers Tyler-MDW, and Mike West-SEA. (FLOC'er Justin Prellwitz-LAS had a scheduling conflict and will join us in a future interview) Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Part one was "Leaders" Part two was "Committee" You can see where we're going with this......Let's talk "Organizing" in part three. Your Future Leaders Organizing Committee: Chair & Board Liaison D.C. Chriss-MDW, Founder and Co-Chair Chris Lampe-MCI, Co-Chair Nicole Salinas-DAL, Recording Secretary Daja Ruiz-PHX, Social Media Coordinator Cypress McFadden-BWI, Zach Urgento-ALB, Michael Crouch-TPA, Chalmers Tyler-MDW, and Mike West-SEA. (FLOC'er Justin Prellwitz-LAS had a scheduling conflict and will join us in a future interview) Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In episode one, we met the Chairs of F.L.O.C. Now let's meet the rest of the committee.... Your Future Leaders Organizing Committee: Chair & Board Liaison D.C. Chriss-MDW, Founder and Co-Chair Chris Lampe-MCI, Co-Chair Nicole Salinas-DAL, Recording Secretary Daja Ruiz-PHX, Social Media Coordinator Cypress McFadden-BWI, Zach Urgento-ALB, Michael Crouch-TPA, Chalmers Tyler-MDW, and Mike West-SEA. (FLOC'er Justin Prellwitz-LAS had a scheduling conflict and will join us in a future interview) Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the Breakroom with F.L.O.C -Your Future Leaders Organizing Committee: Chair & Board Liaison D.C. Chriss-MDW, Founder and Co-Chair Chris Lampe-MCI, Co-Chair Nicole Salinas-DAL, Recording Secretary Daja Ruiz-PHX, Social Media Coordinator Cypress McFadden-BWI, Zach Urgento-ALB, Michael Crouch-TPA, Chalmers Tyler-MDW, and Mike West-SEA. Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243 https://www.facebook.com/groups/428933321400243/ Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President Randy Barnes covers: The Local's preemptive actions in advance of Southwest's meltdown, "Was it a weather issue?" "Was it a staffing issue?" Station and District Representative reports, States of Operational Emergency, guaranteeing premium pay for all members during the holidays, and member's safety above and below the wing. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 Music: Intro: Out to the World from Epidemic Sound 331801349 Outro: Music Revolution 475206040
In the Breakroom with your Veterans Committee: Chair Charli Bilodeau-MHT, Victor Zilinskas-MDW, Sheena Belton-FLL, and Antwain Strickland-ATL. Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twu555vc Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Learn more about Honor Flights: https://www.honorflight.org/ Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the Breakroom with your Veterans Committee: Chair Charli Bilodeau-MHT, Victor Zilinskas-MDW, Sheena Belton-FLL, and Antwain Strickland-ATL. Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twu555vc Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the Breakroom with your Veterans Committee: Chair Charli Bilodeau-MHT, Victor Zilinskas-MDW, Sheena Belton-FLL, and Antwain Strickland-ATL. Join their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twu555vc Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes announces the next survey regarding "Economic Priorities in Negotiations." He also talks about previous surveys conducted by your Negotiating Committee, their purpose, and what the committee does with the data. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 Intro music: Breaking World News Logo 2 by Aleksei Gorobetc via Adobe Stock Outro music: Dominating 2 Stinger by Bobby Cole via Adobe Stock
It's the final part of our three-part conversation with the Negotiating Committee. President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes, Chuck Cerf, Melvin Baker, Ed Green, Jesus Gomez, and Robbie Gadd continue their conversation with Communications Coordinator Eric Peterson. In this episode, the committee answers the questions you might be wanting to ask, the questions you're asking in your breakrooms, and the common questions they receive via email at NegotiatingCommittee@twu555.org It's a segment we hope becomes a regular feature on the podcast so please make sure you subscribe and share the show. It's available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Sign up for text message updates to receive the latest info from the committee and make sure your email address is updated at www.twu555.org Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the second of our three-part series with your Negotiating Committee, President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes, Chuck Cerf, Melvin Baker, Ed Green, Jesus Gomez, and Robbie Gadd continue their conversation with Communications Coordinator Eric Peterson. The committee talks about their personal high and low points of the negotiations so far, the progress they've made, and the importance of having an open dialogue with the members during the process. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
In the first of our three-part series with your Negotiating Committee, President and Chief Negotiator Randy Barnes, Chuck Cerf, Melvin Baker, Ed Green, Jesus Gomez, and Robbie Gadd sit down with Communications Coordinator Eric Peterson. They explain Section 6 negotiations and the process involved, their goals for this contract, their background in the Local, and why they wanted to be part of the committee. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President Randy Barnes, 1st Vice-President Jerry McCrummen, and 2nd Vice-President Albert Barbosa go into detail on the proposed by-laws changes and your opportunity to vote on those changes at the District Membership Meetings. They talk about the role of the by-laws and the procedure for making changes. Finally, they go step-by-step through each of those changes, the need for making them, and how members can have their vote and voice heard. STAY SAFE...UNITED...INVINCIBLE! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President Randy Barnes and Second Vice-President Albert Barbosa talk about Side Letter of Agreement Ten that was just signed. They also have details on a new Work Rule Interpretation and how to get involved in the District Membership Meetings that are being held over the next month. STAY SAFE...UNITED....INVINCIBLE! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 Twitter: @TwuLocal555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
We sit down with your Education Committee members and talk about the mission of the committee, the background of its' members, the role of technology in educating the local, and more! This episode is dedicated to committee member Emory Marshall, a PHL Ops agent who passed away after the taping of this interview. Rest in Peace Emory. STAY SAFE...UNITED...INVINCIBLE! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
President Barnes goes "In the Breakroom" with his reaction to the Company's announcement Thursday, January 27, 2022. He talks about their plan to increase wages for steps 1-4, targeting certain cities for increased compensation, retaining new hires, and what this means for our membership. STAY SAFE...UNITED...INVINCIBLE! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
Education Committee members Juan Cordova and Khyle Leong talk about SWA Vaccine Information *music by bensound.com
In the final episode of the "Getting to Know: District Rep" series we talk to Abilio Villaverde. Representing District 8, Abilio definitely has the largest district by area with the expansion to Hawaii. He talks about representing the new stations in the Aloha state, staffing issues, especially how they relate to DEN which has really been affected since the pandemic, and finally the importance of building camaraderie with your brothers and sisters off the clock. Thanks for listening to this series, and we are excited to bring you more content on a regular basis so make sure you SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Next up, "Getting to Know: Your Committees" starting with the Education Committee. Because it all starts with education right? STAY SAFE...UNITED....INVINCIBLE! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
James Barrett has been representing members as either a station or district rep for 23 years. We talk to J.B. about evolving with the times as a rep, some important parts of the contract and G.O.M. to constantly brush up on, some great advice for new hires and overcoming challenges representing his brothers and sisters during the pandemic. Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts where you can find previous episodes and new ones will automatically download. Website: www.twu555.org Youtube: TWU Local 555 Facebook: TwuLocal555 Instagram: @TWU555 *music by Skilsel from Pixabay
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