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!

Don't let an unexpected injury throw your career off course! In this must-watch episode of AirWaves, TWU Local 556 Board Member at Large and Union Leave Specialist Ann Claire Crawford sits down with TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary 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.

Are you confused about how FMLA, medical leaves, or how the new Pink Contract provisions actually work? In this episode of AirWaves, TWU Local 556 Recording Secretary KeyAnder Early sits down with TWU Local 556 Board Member at Large and Union 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

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!

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

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.