This week, TWU's American Airlines local presidents, along with US Airways locals, are engaged in a rigorous, first-of-its-kind contract negotiations training course. This training, which began on Sunday, spans the entire week and is part of the union's coordinated strategy in preparation for upcoming contract negotiations with the airline.

Right now, the TWU/IAM Association is waiting on the National Mediation Board to issue a decision in response to our request for determination of Single Carrier Status. Before we can officially launch contract negotiations, we need to secure this determination. The NMB is currently reviewing the request — and TWU is actively working with the Board and doing everything in our power to expedite the process.

TWU is going into negotiations tough, united and prepared to fight. We are absolutely determined to get all TWU/IAM Association-represented workers the gold-standard contracts they expect and deserve! That's why our AA local presidents and US Airways locals are meeting at Maryland this week: to train, share information, and coordinate efforts so that together we can be at our strongest.

This type of negotiations training — across all AA locals — is unprecedented at the TWU. The bankruptcy and merger process has been very rocky, and the company has tried time and again to buck its commitments to workers. We know what to expect from the company at the bargaining table, and we're ready. There is a lot that we need to do here to recover lost ground, but we are determined to come out ahead in these negotiations.

The six-day training is facilitated by TWU Education and Training Coordinator Bob Wechsler, who is being ably assisted by a number of industry economists and expert trainers. TWU International President Harry Lombardo opened the training by addressing AA local presidents regarding the TWU/IAM Association's contract negotiations strategy and objectives at the bargaining table. Also in attendance at the training seminar are ATD Division Director Garry Drummond and International representatives Gary Shults, Sean Doyle, and Dave Virella.

Specific training areas include extensive preparation in negotiations strategy, bargaining table tactics and techniques, and effective communications with members.

For more information on the status of the negotiations process, please check TWU's Statements section on the website homepage for updates.