Dozens of Air Division local presidents and officers convened in Tucson, Arizona, on April 14 for a daylong TWU International conference focused on the broad range of expertise and resources available to help them serve their members.
The Air Division Presidents Meeting featured presentations from International staff and officers on topics including training and education, confronting advancing technology, organizing new workers, using media to advance union goals, improving workplace safety, and building political power. Speakers also outlined the benefits of participating in the International’s committees: the Veterans Committee, the Future Leaders Organizing Committee, the Committee on Political Education (COPE), and the Working Women’s Committee.
“You are part of a very big family,” Air Division Director Andre Sutton said. “We’re here to lend you a helping hand and provide you with the support you need.”
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- Air Division presidents and officers at the conference.
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- TWU International Chief of Staff Gary Peterson
International Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes, representing the International Administrative Committee, participated in the meeting, which drew more than 40 local presidents, officers, and staff. The Air Division encompasses more than 80,000 workers, including Airline Maintenance Technicians, Dispatchers, Fleet Service Clerks, Flight Attendants, and TWU members in other roles.
The biggest challenge labor organizations across the country are facing – artificial intelligence and increasing automation – was a major subject for discussion at the conference. International Chief of Staff Gary Peterson and Air Division Director Andre Sutton said crafting contract language to protect jobs and capture new work as technology advances must be a top priority for local presidents. Airlines, for example, have tested drones and AI systems for exterior aircraft inspections, and are seeking government approval to deploy them widely. The technology not only identifies damage but takes precise measurements and details the steps needed to make repairs. AI is already being used at some airports to guide commercial jets from the taxiway to the gates. The airlines’ goal is to reduce headcount and cut costs, Peterson said.
“If they can find a way to replace us, they will,” Peterson said. “It’s something we need to be laser-focused on.”
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- TWU 512 Secretary-Treasurer Erick Burch at the podium, and Air Division Director Andre Sutton.
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- Air Division presidents and officers at the conference.
The conference was also an opportunity for locals to share information. Local 512 Secretary-Treasurer Erick Burch spoke about the success of the Ground Action Safety Program in identifying hazards and preventing American Airlines ground workers from being disciplined for mistakes. In 95% of cases in which workers self-report incidents, they receive refresher training or task-related counseling instead of punishment, Burch said.