January 01, 2025

A Year in Review: Reflecting on Our Achievements and Challenges From the Desk of Anita Pearson, President, CWA Local 4201

Dear Members of CWA Local 4201,

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared over the past 12 months and share our vision for 2025. Representing our diverse and hardworking membership across ORD, CLE, CMH, IND, DAY, and DTW, including those above and below the wing and our Piedmont colleagues, has been both an honor and a privilege. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to building on our successes in the year ahead.

Our year began on a high note with the board’s attendance at the inaugural Passenger Service Conference in Las Vegas alongside CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. This event was not only inspiring but also underscored the importance of collaboration and advocacy for passenger service workers nationwide. Shortly after, we participated in new officer training in Maumee Bay, OH, where we gained essential knowledge about the CWA Constitution, bylaws, and the foundations of effective leadership, tools that have been instrumental throughout this first year.

While we celebrated many successes, we also faced significant challenges at both our main location and outstations. These obstacles tested our resolve, but through teamwork and determination, we navigated them effectively. To foster unity and show appreciation for our dedicated members, we organized luncheons at ORD, CLE, CMH, IND, and DTW. A highlight of the year was Vice President Linda Hinton’s visit in May, where she praised our new Executive Board for its impactful work.

One of our key priorities has been steward training. Over the year, we conducted four sessions, culminating in the participation of Envoy representatives and CWA 4299’s Wayne Herring and his stewards in the final two. This collaboration highlighted the strength of solidarity within the broader CWA family and reaffirmed our commitment to empowering our stewards with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate effectively for our members.
On a broader stage, our local was well-represented at several key conferences, including the prestigious President’s Conference in DCA. This experience allowed me the honor of meeting with Illinois Senators and Representatives, strengthening our ties with policymakers and reinforcing our collective voice. Locally, we held four Executive Board meetings and three membership meetings to ensure transparency, engagement, and open communication.

As we look to 2025, we are excited to introduce “Chat with Anita,” a new platform launching next year to keep you informed, address your questions, and facilitate meaningful dialogue. Additionally, our key priorities include:

•  Enhancing steward training programs to equip our team with the tools they need to advocate effectively.
•  Improving communication platforms to foster greater transparency and engagement.
•  Strengthening our advocacy efforts to ensure your voices are heard, and your concerns addressed at every level.
•  Fostering member engagement through new initiatives and events that build camaraderie and solidarity.

The New Year offers an opportunity to renew our commitment to each other and our shared vision for a stronger union. We encourage you to get involved, whether by attending membership meetings, volunteering for union activities, or sharing your feedback. Together, we can overcome challenges and achieve great things.

Serving as your President has been both rewarding and humbling. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated members, and I look forward to continuing our progress in 2025. On behalf of the Executive Board, I thank you for your trust and support.

Wishing you and your families a safe, blessed, and prosperous New Year. Let’s make 2025 a year of unity, growth, and success.

In solidarity,

Anita Pearson 

President, CWA Local 4201

 (C): 630-440-4218

 E: apearson4201@yahoo.com

On December 5th, the CWA-IBT Association held an arbitration meeting with American Airlines to resolve the contract article in dispute, Article 4.

The Company presented evidence to the arbitrator that there was a mistake in the tentative agreement as it was never their intention to put the collection of baggage fees work in the contract.

We presented evidence that the CWA-IBT Association bargained to add the collection of baggage fee work back into the exclusive work for agents. The company signed a tentative agreement which was posted on the website for members to see. We attempted with the help of the arbitrator to reach an agreement with the company, however we could not.

The arbitrator has 30 days to issue a decision. We will send the decision when we receive it and then can finalize the contract.