Bill Bernal for TWU Local 556 President

Bill Bernal for TWU Local 556 President Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Bill Bernal for TWU Local 556 President, Labor Union, Dallas, TX.

06/19/2024

Dear TWU Local 556 Members,

The Juneteenth holiday marks the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the long and ongoing struggle for equality in our country and underscores the importance of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of TWU Local 556.

Unionized labor has always played a crucial role in advancing civil rights, with labor movements and Unions standing alongside those fighting for racial justice. In observance of Juneteenth, the TWU Local 556 office will be closed. However, I will be working from home to support you while you are out flying the line.

As we honor this important day, let us remember that our strength is in our diversity.

Tailwinds always,

Bill Bernal
President, TWU Local 556

06/12/2024

Bill Bernal weekly roundup

I apologize for the recent lack of communication; my schedule has been incredibly packed, leaving me little time to write and distribute these updates. However, I'm committed to keeping you informed in a more timely manner moving forward.

Your Executive Board will convene as a whole for the second time this week, and I’m eager to get down to the essential work of our Union. Our agenda this week includes appointing new Committee Chairpersons and Co-Cchairpersons. These positions are crucial for our Union’s effectiveness, and once filled, we can accelerate our efforts to efficient and effective representation and advocacy for all of our Members. Speaking of advocacy, June is Pride Month. We celebrate all our Members equally at TWU Local 556, and I want to extend warm wishes for a very happy Pride to those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

In recent weeks, I’ve had dozens of meetings — both virtual and in-person — with TWU International staff, TWU Local 556 staff, and Southwest Airlines Management. One key issue we’ve tackled is the ratification bonus taxation fiasco. I share your frustration over the taxing of the May 20, 2024, paycheck and am diligently working on a solution for the upcoming second installment payment on August 20, 2024. I’ve also been working closely with the TWU Local 556 Negotiating Team and Southwest Airlines Management to ensure a smooth implementation going forward. Please keep an eye out for future communications from your Executive Board and the Negotiating Team regarding the next steps in the Contract 2024 implementation process.

Additionally, I’ve had discussions regarding the possibility of implementing Emergency Sick Call Procedures (ESCP), how the company decides when to use it, and the introduction of red-eye flights to our schedules with the Company in the future.

On a personal note, my home in Phoenix has sold, and I’m currently searching for a new home in Dallas. Until then, I will be staying in a corporate rental apartment.

Tailwinds always,

Bill Bernal
TWU Local 556 President

Bill’s Weekly Round-UpMay 12-19, 2024This past week was another busy one, starting with my arrival in Washington D.C. on...
05/21/2024

Bill’s Weekly Round-Up
May 12-19, 2024

This past week was another busy one, starting with my arrival in Washington D.C. on Sunday for a reception hosted by TWU International.

On Monday, the Committee for Political Education (COPE) convention kicked off with a general session where we outlined strategies for the upcoming meetings. Our team attended several workshops throughout the day. The evening was spent dining with our colleagues from TWU International, as well as members from TWU Local 579 (JetBlue Airways Flight Attendants), TWU Local 577 (Allegiant Air Flight Attendants), and TWU FSI Atlas (Atlas Air Flight Attendants), providing an excellent opportunity for networking and coalition building.

Tuesday was focused on advocacy, as we met with both senators and representatives on Capitol Hill including Senator Eric Schmidt (R-MO), Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Representative Cori Bush (D-MO), Senator Kristen Sinema (I-AZ), Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Our group from TWU Local 556, along with Robert Gadd from TWU Local 555, discussed important issues like the FAA Reauthorization Bill, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, and federal funding for transit operations.

The COPE convention concluded on Wednesday morning with addresses from Congressional speakers. That afternoon, your new Executive Board was officially sworn at TWU International headquarters. We immediately began our training on grievance filing, followed by a celebratory dinner hosted by TWU International President John Samuelsen, Vice President Alex Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, Air Division Director Andre Sutton, Air Division Staff International Vice President Thom McDaniels, Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate, and Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes.

Training continued into Thursday with TWU International Legal Counsel Mark Richards. The day was filled with practical learning that will undoubtedly benefit us and our Members during our term.

On Friday evening, I made my way back to Dallas, where I resumed the seemingly endless and increasingly challenging task of finding a the perfect new-to-me home over the weekend.

Before signing off, I want to give a shout-out to your newly minted Houston DEBM, Edward Marq. As you are likely aware, the Houston area has been battered by severe storms over the past few weeks. Edward has really stepped up to the plate, making himself available to Members around the clock—by phone, text, and even in person in the Flight Attendant lounge. Thank you Edward!

Tailwinds always,

Bill Bernal
President, TWU Local 556

05/14/2024

Good evening TWU Local 556 family,

May 5th-11th

It's been a whirlwind two weeks as your President, and while it's been a challenge to fully process the events of the past week, I am deeply honored to serve you all.

On May 7, I traveled to Washington D.C. for a special event at the invitation of Maria Teresa Hank, my dear friend, our Union sister, and unapologetic labor advocate. The event, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman, Mr. Doug Emhoff was a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The lawn of the residence at the Naval Observatory was transformed into a vibrant market, showcasing traditionally AANHPI community food, art, and culture. Notable attendees included Duy Nguyen, Nevada Legislature Assemblyman; Julie Su, Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor and Aditi Bussells, the first AANHPI Councilwoman at-large in Columbia, South Carolina. I am grateful to Maria Teresa for including me in such a memorable evening. Maria Teresa and Assemblyman Nguyen are collaborating on an amendment to the Nevada Kin Care Bill, which promises significant benefits for our LAS-based Flight Attendants. We also attended a private tour of the White House. Maria Teresa was recently appointed as a Trustee to the Southern Nevada Central Labor Council, an organization representing various Unions, including the AFL-CIO.

On May 9, I stood with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) during their picket in front of the White House. There, I spoke with APFA President Julie Hedrick, reaffirming our solidarity with their Union. I urge you all to stay alert for opportunities to support other Flight Attendant Unions in their efforts to secure Contracts with fair wages and benefits that have been so rightly earned and are long overdue.

I returned home on Friday evening to tackle some laundry and packing before heading back to Washington D.C. the next day ahead of the Committee on Political Education (COPE) Convention. The purpose of COPE is to advocate for legislative and political changes that benefit our Local Members and the broader labor community. According to the International Constitution, the chair of TWU Local 556 COPE Committee must also be the President. I am honored to serve in this dual capacity.

We are currently accepting letters of interest for Committee chair positions until the end of this week. Please email your letters to TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary Lisa Wilson at [email protected]. Submissions will be accepted until 12:00 PM CT on Friday, May 17, 2024.

The week ahead promises to be an exciting one as your new Executive Board will be officially sworn in on Wednesday, May 15 at TWU International in Washington D.C.

Tailwinds always,

Bill Bernal
President, TWU Local 556

05/07/2024

Bill's Weekly Round-Up
April 29 - May 5, 2024

Happy Monday 556,

It’s been an exceptionally busy week, so thank you for your patience with the delayed arrival of this edition of "Bill’s Weekly Round-Up."

Our new Executive Board officially took office on May 1. I had the privilege of joining 1st Vice President Kristina Peterson, 2nd Vice President Ray Presnall, Board Member at Large B.R. Ricks, and Board of Election Chairperson Tiffanie Morris at the opening of our newest Flight Attendant base in Nashville. It was fantastic to meet so many of our Members there. The opening of the new base also necessitates filling the new position of Domicile Executive Board Member (DEBM) for Nashville. We have reviewed the letters of interest and will be making an announcement shortly.

We’re almost a week into our new Contract. Transitioning leadership and implementing a new collective bargaining agreement at the same time is a challenging feat, but rest assured, your Executive Board is up to the task. We are diligently working to ensure that the work rule and compensation changes are implemented as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

There was a hiccup with the implementation of the new pay rates in the payroll advances. For a full explanation and remedy, please check the IIOTG dated May 3, 2024, available on your iEFB or on SWAlife. In brief, if you elected to receive the full advance amount, expect a separate check no later than May 10.

On a personal note, in the midst of this hectic week, my beloved Jeep died and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs—a reminder that life’s little surprises wait for no one, especially during our busiest times!

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Here's to a strong start and more progress in the weeks ahead.

Tailwinds always,

Bill
President, TWU Local 556

04/27/2024

April 21st to 27th

'Bill’s Weekly Round-Up'

The week has ended, but there's still a lot to do. It began with an offer on the house, with the buyer requesting a quick 2-week escrow. I flew back to Phoenix on Monday and started my day with two virtual meetings, one with our TWU lawyer and the other with the International's Chief of Staff. I also squeezed in some packing during the day.

Tuesday was filled with training sessions with our grievance team and Negotiations team on the TA. On Thursday, I flew back for two important meetings: one with SWA management and the FADAP team, including Dr. Brooks from Banner Hospital. This session taught me how crucial this committee is for our members. The second meeting was with Bob Jordan and his team for the earnings announcement. A few TWU locals attended, and we had a strong turnout with 556 brothers and sisters.

To wrap up the week, I'm back to packing and getting ready for the movers to arrive. It's been a hectic few days, but I'm looking forward to completing this move and being back in Dallas.

Tailwinds always,

Bill

04/22/2024

Bill's Weekly Round-Up
April 15-21, 2024

Good Evening 556,

I'm thrilled to share the first installment of 'Bill’s Weekly Round-Up' with you. Each week, I will provide a brief recap of my official activities from the previous week. You elected me on the promise of transparency, and this weekly communication is one of the ways I intend to fulfill that promise to you.

This past week, I took my initial steps in transitioning into the role of President of TWU Local 556, ahead of my formal swearing-in on May 15 at the TWU International Headquarters in Washington D.C.

I kicked off the week by flying to Dallas early on Monday morning to attend the final meeting of the current Executive Board. The remainder of the week was spent meeting with our other newly elected Union Officers — 1st Vice President Kristina Bo Peterson, 2nd Vice President Ray Presnall, Recording Secretary Lisa Wilson, and Financial Secretary-Treasurer John Parrott. Together, we engaged in strategic planning, committing ourselves to enhanced visibility and direct engagement with you.

A key focus for us has been setting a comprehensive agenda for our first Executive Board meeting next month. This involves not only planning but also making key introductions with officials at TWU International, as well as Southwest Airlines. To that end, we held a virtual meeting with Mike Sims, Managing Director Inflight Crew Support & Services, and are in the process of arranging an in-person meeting.

The Week Ahead:
I am preparing for more extensive training and meetings this coming week. We are working on scheduling dates for the next Membership Meeting. We will have that squared away soon.

Final Thoughts:
I have decided to relocate to Dallas from Phoenix to better serve the Membership. This decision places me at the heart of our operation, enabling me to be readily available and responsive to the needs of our Membership.

Lastly, don’t forget to cast your vote for the Tentative Agreement. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard! Your vote must be submitted before 12:00 p.m. CST on April 24, 2024.

Tailwinds always,

Bill

04/22/2024

I posted this last week.

Today marked what feels like my first real day as the president-elect of TWU Local 556. The day started bright and early at 3am in Phoenix as I prepared to catch a 5am flight to Dallas. I spent the majority of the day in the office, meeting with President Lyn Montgomery and staff. We had productive discussions and planned for a smooth transition between administrations. The evening continued with membership-focused work, where I spent several hours on the phone addressing flight attendant questions about my plans for our future as well as my thoughts on the TA — I'll share more details on that later this week. As I wind down for the night, I want to thank outgoing President Lyn Montgomery for her invaluable assistance in bringing me up to speed. I look forward to meetings with both the incoming and current executive boards this week at the union office. Now, it’s time to catch some well-deserved Zzz’s!

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Dallas, TX

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+12146001885

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