AirWaves: TWU Local 556 elevates the Flight Attendant experience by connecting Members of TWU Local 556, the Flight Attendants of Southwest Airlines, through vital news, expert insights, and the unique humor of our culture. We empower Union Members to level up so they can lead with confidence and stand united in our shared goals to protect and support every Flight Attendant.
In this special episode of AirWaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast, Member and Flight Attendant Alex Hammett sits down with First Vice President Sam Wilkins to talk about Alex’s experience with breast cancer. From discovering a lump through a self-exam to navigating diagnosis and treatment, returning to the aircraft and finding support along the way, Alex shares her story about living with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Alex’s story has a remarkable connection to her Union family. Before her diagnosis, she volunteered in the DEN lounge during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, handing out educational materials to fellow Flight Attendants. Sometimes, helping others inspires us to help ourselves, too, and during a self-exam, Alex discovered a lump.
Alex shares candidly about what helped her through treatment, including the Union resources and Union siblings she turned to for help. She also shares the perspective she carries with her today, a new outlook gained from lived experience. The fact that both women and men are being diagnosed at younger ages is something that concerns her and should move all of us to action.
Listen now and share this with a friend!
4 Sept 2026
Episode 9: Leaves for On the Job Injuries: What Flight Attendants Need to Know
Don't let an unexpected injury throw your career off course! In this must-watch episode of AirWaves, TWU Local 556 Leave Specialist Ann Claire Crawford sits down with KeyAnder Early to cut through the noise and deliver the essential facts every Member needs to know about On the Job Injuries (OJI) and workers' comp. Learn the critical steps to protect yourself immediately after an incident—including how to avoid costly attendance points, navigate complex state laws, and master the new Workday system with confidence. Whether you are currently dealing with an injury or just want to be prepared for the unexpected, tune in to get the vital insights you need to safeguard your pay and your peace of mind.
28 Aug 2026
Episode 8: Demystifying Leaves: FMLA, Medical Leaves, and New Parent Provisions
Are you confused about how FMLA, medical leaves, or how the new Pink Contract provisions actually work? In this episode of AirWaves, KeyAnder Early sits down with TWU Local 556 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 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BB6hYVEzlWIkH_z0KPIJaTA1XelLNnLx/view)
21 Aug 2026
AirWaves: 556 Union News Edition for August 21, 2026
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!
7 Aug 2026
AirWaves News Edition: What You Need to Know This Week - August 7, 2026, edition
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
31 Jul 2026
AirWaves Episode 7: Scheduling
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.
24 Jul 2026
Airwaves: 556 Union News Edition for July 24, 2026
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.
17 Jul 2026
AirWaves Episode 6: COPE, fighting for tax breaks and your priorities in government
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.
3 Jul 2026
AirWaves Episode 5: What is a DEBM and how do they help Members?
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.
19 Jun 2026
AirWaves: Ep. 4 - Fatigue on the Line: Know Your Rights
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.
29 May 2026
AirWaves Episode 3: Supporting Members through Life’s Challenges and Opportunities
AirWaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast returns with Episode 3, featuring conversations focused on the many ways TWU Local 556 supports Members both personally and professionally. TWU Local 556 Second Vice President Josh Rosenberg hosts the episode, which guides listeners through two meaningful discussions centered on care, resilience and opportunity. Eileen Rodriguez joins the podcast to discuss Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), the peer-support resources available to Flight Attendants following traumatic or stressful events on and off the job, and why emotional support matters. Scholarships Committee Chair Genesis DaVoy shares information about scholarship opportunities available through TWU Local 556 and explains how investing in education continues to strengthen Members and their families.
15 May 2026
AirWaves Episode 2: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations and Understanding the Grievance Process
AirWaves: The TWU Local 556 Podcast returns with Episode 2, featuring conversations designed to keep Members informed, connected and empowered. Co-hosts Sam Wilkins, TWU Local 556 First Vice President, and Allison Quinones, Austin Domicile Executive Board Member, welcome listeners back for discussions on two topics impacting Flight Attendants every day. Kurtis Beggs of the 556 Professional Standards Committee, shares practical guidance for navigating difficult conversations both at work and in everyday life. Grievance Committee’s Marcy Vinyard explains how the grievance process works, what protections Members have under the Contract, and how the Union helps defend Flight Attendants across the operation.
29 Apr 2026
AirWaves Debut: Legacy, Strength & Support
In this inaugural AirWaves episode, TWU Local 556 Members Kay Hogan, Valerie Christensen and Kendra Famiglio reflect on the origins and evolution of TWU Local 556, sharing stories from the early days as Flight Attendants of Southwest Airlines. Their insights reveal how the union grew from fighting for basic respect and uniforms to securing industry-leading contracts, while Flight Attendant Paul Egger from the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) talks about the confidential support FADAP offers to Members and their loved ones who are facing substance challenges. This episode celebrates the Union’s powerful legacy and available resources that strengthen community and resilience among Flight Attendants.
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