December 17, 2018

President’s Message

Looking back, Looking forward – Never standing still !

The days are shorter, the nights are colder, rain is falling, and you the Members of TWU Local 505 are suiting up and showing up.  Thanks to all of you who make our Local one of the most engaged in the system, standing up for our rights daily.  2018 has been a difficult year for us with many challenges that have proved to make us stronger and more unified as Members of Local 505.

As the Company continues to redefine itself into the New American, a painful process, we have been redefined too.  We saw changes in Local Management that seem to make no sense.  Saying goodbye to Abby was sad and with her leaving we lost a valued ally, we have witnessed first-hand the wreckage from that decision.  The new “team” of leaders remind us daily that to them we represent nothing more hands, backs, and numbers.  The Local has been, and continues to be, relentless when dealing with the ways that the Company overlooks and violates long standing practices and our Contract.  As the assault continues we are fighting back and calling them out.  We won’t let them rest as long as their current mode of operation continues.

Changes have come to the 505 too; we welcomed new Officers, David Taumoepeau and Leilani Kapewa, into their terms as Recording Secretary Treasurer and Executive Board Member.  Members Chris Wolfgramm, Andrew Linton, and Rick Castillo joined in and became Shop Stewards this year increasing our on base representation.  Responding to the Memberships’ suggestion for improving transparency and better communication with the Local, we redesigned our 505 website and introduced a phone app to better reach the Membership and respond in real time to concerns. 

The Local has also upped its game and began a higher participation in programs, committees, and campaigns on a system wide level.  The 505 now has a seat at the JBCA Contract Negotiation table; participates in the Benefits Committee, Working Women’s Committee, California State Conference, and Future Leaders Committee.  We are fully engaged with the new social media campaign that will be rolling out soon.

Locally in San Francisco, we created a monthly meeting schedule with the Management team to discuss issues and exchange information and ideas for workplace improvements with the goal of leading them on the path of contractual compliance and improvement on the common courtesies they tend to ignore.  Membership Meeting attendance has increased and it’s great to see old and new faces sitting together getting first hand information and having open discussions.  We pulled together when Members and their families were in times of need, many attended services for Moonie and the relief luncheon for the Rowe family was successful in raising financial donations.  These actions bond us together in a spirit of commonality that defines unity and makes us unstoppable.

Looking forward into 2019, we will continue with our strong resolve and keeping fighting the good fight.  Local 505 wishes everyone a safe and joyfully holiday season !!  Together we can make 2019 a year to remember !!