Oct 15, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
The IAM National Legislative and Political team recently visited IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members in Charlotte, N.C. The trip focused on sharing critical information about the IAM’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program, a campaign designed to ensure that every IAM member understands the importance of their vote in shaping the future of our union and our country. IAM International President Brian Bryant recently stated the importance of mobilizing our members for this election.
WATCH: IAM GOTV visit with IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members in Charlotte.
North Carolina AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan and IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon led discussions on the stakes of the 2024 elections. They highlighted labor-friendly candidates, emphasizing the need to vote for those who support workers’ rights and are committed to protecting good-paying union jobs in North Carolina and across the nation.
“I am making sure that we try to hit as many worksites as possible to talk about how elected officials impact their jobs and the importance of supporting candidates who support the IAM and our mission,” said IAM National and Legislative Political Director Hasan Solomon. “Worksite visits are a powerful tool in educating our members about their right to vote and informing them about who is on the ballot.”
IAM political volunteers are ramping up efforts nationwide, but union members in battleground states like North Carolina will play a huge role in electing leaders who support labor.
“IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members know firsthand the value of their Union’s legislative and political efforts that helped that helped save tens of thousands of airline jobs through the Airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM and allies like Vice President Kamala Harris were instrumental in making that happen. Our members will work hard to ensure labor-friendly candidates are elected to North Carolina.”
The IAM GOTV program is designed to help IAM members across the country understand the importance of electing pro-labor candidates with a strong track record of advocating for working families.
“As we look ahead to the 2024 elections, our members know that good jobs are on the ballot,” said IAM Victory Lodge 1725 President Chris Barrett. “With IAM’s GOTV program launching here in Charlotte, Victory Lodge 1725 members are ready to make their voices heard. I am especially proud of our Young Workers Committee for leading the engagement in the workplace.”
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May 15, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
The 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest air transport labor union, is applauding a group of 25 U.S. Senators, led by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), for telling Delta Air Lines to remain neutral in union organizing campaigns for approximately 55,000 workers at the carrier.
The IAM is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
“All workers should have a free and fair choice to join a union, as is required by law,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We strongly urge you to adopt a neutrality agreement with regards to any efforts by your employees to unionize and to commit to negotiating in good faith if you employees do choose to form a union.”
The U.S. Senate support follows a bipartisan group of more than 150 members of the U.S. House, led by the House Labor Caucus, who called on Delta to remain neutral toward unions.
“The IAM is eternally grateful to Sen. Butler and every U.S. Senator who are championing the rights of Delta Air Lines workers,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Delta workers are being subject to an extremely hostile work environment as they exercise their right to form and join a union. It’s past time for Ed Bastian and Delta leadership to do the right thing and allow their workers to make their own decision on unionization free from harassment and intimidation.”
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
“Delta is receiving a message loud and clear from the U.S. Senate and beyond – ‘cut out the scorched-Earth anti-union campaign now,’” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM, our labor coalition and Delta workers will continue to demand that Delta respects its own workforce by allowing them to make their own decision about joining a union.”
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20% of Delta workers are unionized.
The post IAM Union Applauds U.S. Senators for Telling Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaigns appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 26, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, March 26, 2024 – More than 19,000 Delta Air Lines ground workers in 46 U.S. cities expressed gratitude to members of Congress who support their campaign for union representation and collective bargaining rights.
Delta workers also received support from members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.
In a letter, the workers thanked lawmakers for urging Delta CEO Ed Bastian to remain neutral in their unionization efforts. This neutrality would ensure workers can decide, without management influence, whether union representation aligns with their interests.
However, they found Bastian’s response to the congressional inquiry concerning. It lacked acknowledgment of alleged interference with their right to unionize. Instead, it focused on the perceived benefits of the current non-union environment.
“Mr. Bastian’s response makes it unmistakably clear that he does not understand our rationale and desire to unionize,” wrote the Delta workers. “Our desire to seek collective bargaining rights likely varies from employee to employee. Issues such as financial concerns, a fair grievance procedure, to improving benefits and working conditions each play a role. Regardless, organizing a union is our right protected by federal law. These important rights should not be undermined by Mr. Bastian’s never-ending campaign that we don’t need union representation because employment conditions at Delta are, in his view, just fine. It’s not his decision. It’s our decision.”
Given Bastian’s refusal to commit to neutrality, the workers request further action by Congress. They urge lawmakers to demand a clear answer: will Delta adopt a neutral stance on worker organizing?
If Bastian continues to avoid a clear answer, Delta workers urge Congress to hold hearings. These hearings would allow all parties to discuss fair conditions for union organizing, free from management interference.
“Delta actively and verifiably misinforms workers about the process and results of unionizing,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “We want workers to know that they have rights and to feel empowered. Delta’s CEO is responsible for the disrespectful stance the company takes on workers who want to exercise their federal right to unionize.”
The workers emphasize the need for accountability. They believe Bastian should be held responsible for alleged interference and his refusal to address the neutrality request. Ultimately, they seek a platform for Delta employees to organize freely, without fear of intimidation or coercion.
Read the complete letter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
The post Delta Workers Seek Accountability After CEO’s Response to Congress appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 2, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, March 2, 2024 – U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) has voiced her staunch support for the ongoing organizing efforts of the Delta Air Lines union coalition. As the representative of the “Fighting Fifth” Congressional District, she represents both the international headquarters of Delta Air Lines and thousands of Delta employees.
In a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Willams underscores the significance of supporting workers’ rights and the broader Atlanta community.
Her Georgia colleagues, U.S. Reps. David Scott, Sanford Bishop and Hank Johnson have also called on Delta Air Lines and CEO Ed Bastian to create a pathway to ensure Delta workers are free to join the union without fear or interference.
The support from members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation comes after a Congressional Labor Caucus letter that garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.). Five other Republican members of Congress also penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
Williams, a union member, recently participated at the U.S. House of Representatives’ Labor Caucus workers’ roundtable to hear about Delta Air Lines workers’ organizing and collective bargaining efforts.
The worker roundtable discussion was hosted by the Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).
“I have recently heard from the various unions about their organizing efforts and want to make clear my support for workers – many of whom are myconstituents – to be free to make their own decisions regarding unionization without fear of retaliation or intimidation from either management or their peers,” wrote Williams in her letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “I urge you to continue to adhere to the non-interference requirements of the Railway Labor Act and to take any allegations of interference seriously.”
“We are grateful for Rep. Williams’ solidarity with Delta workers,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Her commitment to ensuring workers’ voices are heard and respected is crucial in our fight for fairness and dignity in the workplace. Her constituents at Delta Air Lines deserve a fair shake at improving their lives.”
Upwards of 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
Read the complete letter here.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
The post Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams Stands in Support of Delta Air Lines Union Coalition’s Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson Comes Out in Support of Delta Workers
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) became the third member of Congress in Georgia to call for Delta Air Lines to create a pathway to ensure workers are free to join the union without fear or interference. Rep. Johnson urged Delta to remain a good-faith partner as these discussions continue and respect the decisions of its employees, regardless of the outcome.
U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) joined the growing call for Delta Air Lines to create a pathway to ensure workers are free to join the union without fear or interference. U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) also wrote a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian calling on Delta Air Lines to uphold its reputation for excellence and fairness by respecting the rights of its employees to decide on unionization without interference.
“I strongly support all workers’ right to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions and to enjoy the well-earned fruits of their labor,” wrote Johnson in the letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “They deserve to feel seen and heard, and that includes the ability to make a well-informed decision regarding collective bargaining, without fear of retaliation from their employer. I urge Delta to remain a good faith partner as these discussions continue and respect the decision of its employees, regardless of the outcome.
“Congressman Johnson is a champion for working families; his support means a lot to Delta workers living in his district,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “I applaud him for speaking up for what is right and giving his constituents a voice. We hope Delta management listens to Congressman Johnson and other elected officials in their call for neutrality in this campaign.”
Upwards of 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
This third letter from a sitting member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation comes after five more Republican members of Congress penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. The Congressional Labor Caucus letter garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.).
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
Read the complete letter here.
The post Third Georgia Congressman Urges Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 29, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) joined the growing call for Delta Air Lines to create a pathway to ensure workers are free to join the union without fear or interference.
“As a longtime fighter for unions, I stand alongside the Delta flight attendants, fleet service workers, and technicians fighting to organize and join a union,” wrote Scott in a statement. “The pathway to ensure workers remain free to join the union of their choice must exist without fear of reprisal or interference. Delta has a long history of employing unionized workgroups across its operations and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and I look forward to working with all sides to protect workers’ freedom to make their own decisions.”
U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) also wrote a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian calling on Delta Air Lines to uphold its reputation for excellence and fairness by respecting the rights of its employees to decide on unionization without interference.
“It means a lot to Delta workers in Georgia to have the dean of the Georgia Congressional Delegation weigh in on their behalf,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Georgia has always been vital in the fight for human rights, civil rights, and union rights for workers. The IAM will continue to provide Delta workers the support they need to voice their freedom to have respect and dignity at Delta Air Lines.”
Upwards of 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
This latest letter comes after five more Republican members of Congress penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. The Congressional Labor Caucus letter garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.).
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
“Delta workers are being subjected to an immense amount of pressure, simply by exercising their federal right to join a union,” “It’s time to put an end to the intimidation and give Delta workers the voice on the job that they deserve.”
Read the statement here.
The post Georgia Congressman David Scott Urges Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
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