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.
Feb 22, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2024 – U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) 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.
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.
“My office has heard from different unions about their organizing efforts, and I strongly agree that Delta’s workers have a right to make a decision on unionization without fear of retaliation or intimidation,” wrote Rep. Bishop. “Ialso urge Delta to continue to adhere to the organization process outlined in the Railway Labor Act and to take any allegations of interference seriously.”
In the letter, Bishop also expressed support for the ongoing efforts of Delta employees to organize and urged Delta Air Lines to maintain their well-deserved status by respecting its employees’ decision whether or not to organize.
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.”
“We applaud Rep. Bishop’s courage for taking a stand to level the playing field for Delta workers,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “He has a long history of fighting for workers throughout Georgia. His support reinforces the importance of fairness and respect in this organizing campaign.”
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.
The post Georgia Congressman Sanford Bishop Urges Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 13, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 – 146 members of Congress signed a letter confronting Delta Air Lines over its anti-union practices. They strongly urged the airline to adopt a neutrality agreement to ensure a fair and unbiased union organizing campaign.
This letter comes after the Congressional Labor Caucus recently heard from Delta workers during the IAM’s visit to Capitol Hill.
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 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 also spent approximately $38 million to oppose a flight attendant union campaign in 2010. Its anti-union activities have caused brand damage, including broad media coverage of a 2019 anti-union flier that told employees to spend money on video games instead of union dues.
“A neutrality agreement would simply free Delta workers from intimidation and allow them a pathway to join a union and collectively bargain if they wish,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It would ensure that employees decide to unionize without undue pressure or interference from Delta management.”
Since November 2022, Delta employees, including flight attendants, fleet service workers, and technicians, have been actively working to form a union. The company’s resistance to unionization efforts has sparked concerns about workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
A neutrality agreement would require Delta to refrain from engaging in any activities that could influence the outcome of unionization efforts. By committing to neutrality, Delta would demonstrate a commitment to respecting the voices and rights of its employees. Neutrality agreements are a common practice in industries where unionization efforts are underway.
“A neutrality agreement consists of an employer agreeing not to engage in pre-election activities that influence workers’ freedom to form a union,” reads the letter from members of Congress. “Your commitment to neutrality would ensure that management does not pressure workers into voting against unionization or delaying the election process. We believe a neutrality agreement is the bare minimum standard that Delta should meet in respecting workers’ rights and comply with the Railway Labor Act’s directive to not “interfere… influence or coerce” its employees in their choice of representative.”
“The IAM applauds members of Congress for taking a stand against anti-union tactics and for providing support in amplifying the voices of workers in Delta Air Lines,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “We are asking other elected officials to add their voice to the call for justice and join the movement demanding Delta Air Lines respect the rights of its employees.”
Congress’s call for Delta to embrace neutrality is critical in this stage of the organizing campaign. As the debate over workers’ rights and fair labor practices continues across the country, Delta Air Lines has the opportunity to allow its workforce the freedom to organize.
Read the complete letter.
The letter was signed by 146 bipartisan Members of Congress, including: Reps. Alma Adams, Colin Allred, Gabe Amo, Nanette Barragán Joyce Beatty, Donald Beyer, Jamaal Bowman, Brendan Boyle, Shontel Brown, Nikki Budzinski, Cori Bush, Tony Cárdenas, André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, Gerald Connolly, J. Correa, Joe Courtney, Jason Crow, Danny Davis, Donald Davis, Rosa DeLauro, Suzan DelBene, Christopher Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Anna Eshoo, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Brian Fitzpatrick, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Jesús Garcia, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Josh Gottheimer, Al Green, Raúl Grijalva, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Val Hoyle, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan Jackson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Marcy Kaptur, William Keating, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Daniel Kildee, Derek Kilmer, Andy Kim, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ann Kuster, Greg Landsman, John Larson, Barbara Lee, Summer Lee, Ted Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Jennifer McClellan, Gwen Moore, Jared Moskowitz, Seth Moulton, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, James McGovern, Robert Menendez, Kweisi Mfume, Frank Mrvan, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Grace Napolitano, Joe Neguse, Wiley Nickel, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Frank Pallone, Chris Pappas Bill Pascrell, Donald Payne, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Katie Porter, Ayanna Pressley, Delia Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Deborah Ross, Dutch Ruppersberger, Patrick Ryan, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, John Sarbanes, Mary Scanlon, Janice Schakowsky, Adam Schiff, Bradley Schneider, Brad, Sherman, Mikie Sherrill, Elissa Slotkin, Adam Smith, Eric Sorensen, Darren Soto, Abigail Spanberger, Melanie Stansbury, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Eric Swalwell, Emilia Sykes, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Bennie Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Ritchie Torres, Norma Torres, David Trone, Lauren Underwood, Nydia Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jennifer Wexton, Susan Wild, and Frederica Wilson.
The Congressional Labor Caucus is composed of more than 100 Members of Congress working to protect and advance workers’ rights.
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 Congress Urges Delta Air Lines to Stop Union Busting Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
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