DALLAS, TEXAS— Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines (WN) are raising serious concerns about internal union retaliation, stemming from attempts to discuss alternative union representation. The allegations have surfaced amid internal conflict within Dallas Love Field (DAL)-based TWU Local 556, which represents approximately 20,000 cabin crew members.
Documents reviewed by View From The Wing reveal a pattern of misconduct, including withdrawn disciplinary charges being improperly refiled and misused to suppress dissent against the current union leadership.
Photo: Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Attendants Accuse Union of Retaliation
At the core of the controversy is an internal dispute within the Transport Workers Union Local 556, which escalated in early 2024.
On January 16, while the union was still in contract talks, four flight attendants were charged with advocating for decertifying TWU as their bargaining representative.
Though the original complainant later withdrew the charges to avoid union division, a union officer is alleged to have improperly accessed and refiled those same charges under her own name, prompting accusations of misconduct.
Screenshots circulated among flight attendants indicate that the recycled complaint was virtually unchanged from the withdrawn version.
Internal emails and Facebook discussions highlighted this “copy-and-paste” tactic, which sparked backlash and led to counter-charges from one of the accused flight attendants.
The counter-charges accuse union officers of retaliation, misrepresentation, and misuse of confidential internal documents.
These events have put a spotlight on whether union leadership is infringing on federally protected rights under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). This law ensures that union members can openly discuss and advocate for changes in representation without fear of reprisal.
Photo: IcelandairLegal and Constitutional Violations Under Scrutiny
The refiled charges are now being scrutinized for potentially violating multiple provisions of TWU’s Article XIX, which prohibits willful harm to members and unauthorized disclosure of confidential materials.
The use of withdrawn content for a disciplinary trial may also violate union duties under the Railway Labor Act, which obligates unions to act in good faith and represent members fairly.
Legal experts suggest this could expose TWU Local 556 officers to liability under federal labor laws, including personal accountability if found to have retaliated against protected speech. At least one of the targeted flight attendants has formally demanded:
- Immediate exoneration of the accused group
- Disciplinary action against the responsible union officers
- A full audit of resources used in the proceedings
- Public acknowledgment of procedural misconduct
Photo: Jeffrey S.S | PexelsPush for Independent Representation
The dispute has reignited discussions around forming an independent union. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the creation of the Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants Association, a potential alternative to TWU Local 556.
This wouldn’t be unprecedented in the U.S. aviation industry. American Airlines (AA) flight attendants operate under their own independent union, while United Airlines (UA) attendants are part of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, as is TWU.
Notably, Delta Air Lines (DL) attendants remain non-union, despite enjoying the industry’s top compensation packages.
However, reaching the 50% threshold of signed decertification cards may be difficult, especially after what many consider a favorable contract was ratified recently by TWU Local 556 members.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrMembers Bear the Costs of Internal Turmoil
As the union faces growing pressure to resolve the dispute, flight attendants are left to shoulder the financial burden. Legal defense expenses are covered by union dues, prompting calls for transparency.
One of the targeted members is advocating for an open Article XIX hearing and a detailed audit of all legal spending associated with the disciplinary proceedings.
Such measures, proponents argue, could help restore internal trust and prevent the matter from escalating into a federal labor lawsuit.
When contacted for comment, TWU Local 556 stated:
“TWU Local 556 does not comment on internal Member issues, nor does the Union endorse the communication of internal Member issues by other parties.”
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The post Southwest Flight Attendants Accuse Union of Retaliation Over Decertification Talk appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
