WHO DOES THE TWU REPRESENT?
The Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO represents more than 135,000 workers in the country’s transportation and allied  industries. They’ve been at it for more than 75 years, and represent thousands of workers at Southwest Airlines. TWU has represented Southwest’s flight attendants more 37 years, and have negotiated industry-leading contracts.

WHY JOIN TWU?
Non-union workers have little or no say over their wages and benefits, nor do they have any real input into what goes on at their workplaces. Without a union contract, flight attendants and other workers who actually make the company successful have no say over their quality-of-work life or the future success of their company.

WILL I HAVE JOB SECURITY?
TWU contracts include strong grievance and arbitration language that protects your rights on the job. With TWU and a contract in place, you’ll no longer have to worry about management disciplining you on the job without just cause.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO FILE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE ELECTION?
The National Mediation Board requires signed cards from at least 35 percent of eligible workers. TWU will only file for an election when the majority of workers in that class and craft show an interest.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION?
All employees in the craft involved who were on the payroll during the designation period are eligible to vote.

WHO WILL CONDUCT THE ELECTION AND HOW IS IT CONDUCTED?
The National Mediation Board oversees the election, which is conducted through a highly-secure telephone and Internet voting system. Neither management nor TWU will know who voted or how they voted.

HOW IS THE OUTCOME DETERMINED?
The outcome is determined by a majority cast ballot. In other words, fifty percent plus one vote of ballots cast must be in favor of the union in order for it to be certified.

WHO WILL NEGOTIATE OUR FIRST CONTRACT?
Your newly chartered union will establish its own negotiating team to meet with management. Your negotiating team will be assisted every step of the way by experienced TWU negotiators and professional staff. Once a tentative contract is in place, Virgin America flight attendants must vote to accept it.

WHO WILL COVER THE COST OF INITIAL NEGOTIATIONS?
All costs involved in negotiating your first contract will be paid for by TWU of America.

WHAT ABOUT UNION DUES AND INITIATION FEES?
Your monthly dues will be based on the weighted average of all Virgin America flight attendants across all seniority levels, and will be paid after your first contract goes into effect. There are no initiation fees.

HOW ARE UNION DUES SPENT?
Seventy percent of your dues stay with your local union for the day to-day expenses of administering the local, as well as for legal fees, arbitration, and office expenses. The remaining thirty percent goes to TWU of America to provide vital support services, including legal assistance, economic research, health and safety programs, and legislative activities.

TWU is a democratic trade union affiliated with the national AFL-CIO. It is comprised of local unions that are accountable to their members. This means that any member may run for local office and vote for local union officers.