More than half of the approximately 14,000 Southwest Airlines flight attendants represented by the Transport Workers Union Local 556 have signed a petition demanding the recall of 12 of 17 TWU Local 556 Executive Board members and a subsequent vote to replace those recalled. The recall petition alleges violations of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Transport Workers Union of America. Jeanna Jackson, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant and TWU Local 556 member in good standing is spearheading the recall effort on behalf of thousands of her fellow flight attendants seeking a change in union leadership. "As of today's date, more than 7,600 hardworking Local 556 flight attendants feel they are not adequately represented and are demanding a recall," said Jackson.

The union has so far refused to verify the recall petition. In order to protect the rights of those members signing the petition, a lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division (Civil Action No. 3:17-cv-339).
Ms. Jackson added, "The requisite number of signatures has been delivered to the Executive Board but they refuse to verify the signatures and honor the will of the members. This will not stand. Our brothers and sisters deserve to be heard. They will be heard."
The recall petition is not an action against Southwest Airlines, rather, it is a governance option authorized by the by-laws of the union. The lawsuit is also not against Southwest Airlines, but instead seeks class action status against the union on behalf of the thousands of members who signed the recall petition.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are represented by attorney Joshua A. Verde of The Verde Law Firm, PLLC in Houston, Texas.