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.

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.

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.

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.