Please visit this page often as it will be updated regularly with answers to questions that Delta Flight Attendants may have regarding the many issues associated with union representation. You will also be able to view questions and answers about "A-cards," the "self-verification" system and other issues/questions that may arise.
What is an election authorization card or “IAM card” and why should I sign one?
An election authorization card is simply an individual petition to get on a ballot.
It signifies you want the right to vote in a union representation election. That’s it.
Thousands of Delta Flight Attendants firmly believe we should have the RIGHT TO VOTE. It’s the American way!
Delta management believes we should be denied that right, and does everything in its power to prevent an election—including disciplining activists for even talking about representation at work.
Seems harsh, right? But we can still reach our goal to secure an election because IAM cards are being requested daily. Put your name on one and let’s vote.
When we unionize with the IAM, will we lose what we have and start negotiations from from scratch?
Absolutely not! Once we vote to unionize with the IAM, we will begin negotiations, legally protecting what we currently have, and securing improvements. When we finish negotiations, we will all have a legal right to vote whether or not to accept what our IAM Delta Flight Attendant negotiators bargained.
Delta management will try and scare us and threaten that if we unionize we will lose what we currently have. That’s not true.
It’s time to move forward and protect our profession and begin to be treated as the best Flight Attendants in the world.
When I sign, date and mail back an IAM a-card, what exactly am I doing?
When we sign, date and mail back an IAM a-card, we are requesting that the National Mediation Board (NMB), a federal agency, conduct a union representation election.
When we sign an a-card, we are only requesting that an election be held.
How many a-cards are needed for the NMB to conduct an election?
At least 50 percent of all Delta Flight Attendants must sign, date and return an IAM a-card for an election to be conducted.
What is “self-verification,” and how can I “self-verify”?
Once you sign, date and mail your new A-card—postage paid—you will have the option to self-verify. All you need to do is send an email to acardverify@iamdelta.net and state that you signed A-card # (insert sequence number). If you choose, you can also attach a photo of your A-card stub to the email and/or a photo of any type of other identification that you feel comfortable sharing. This will add another layer of information that will connect you with your new A-card when we again file for an election with the NMB.
Will the "self verify" process make a difference?
Absolutely. Not only will the IAM be able to trace each A-card by its sequence number—remember, only you and the IAM will ever know your sequence number—but the self-verification step—if taken—will add another layer of information that will connect you to your A-card.
What will happen with my information once I self-verify?
When the IAM receives your self-verification email, your email, and any attachments (photos of your stub and/or identification), will be printed out and attached to your A-card when it arrives at IAM Headquarters. Your A-card, verification email and any other attachments will be filed securely at IAM Headquarters and then submitted with your A-card to the NMB when we again file for our election. Please remember, Delta Air Lines management is prohibited under federal law from ever knowing that you signed an a-card.
If you do not have the wherewithal to self-verify electronically, you can simply mail a signed statement that you signed A-card # (insert sequence number) and include a photocopy of your A-card stub and/or photocopies of any identification you choose to include to:
IAMAW Transportation Department
9000 Machinists Place, RM 118-B
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Yes. You can get an IAM a-card in a few different ways. You can request one online at http://www.iamdelta.net/acard/ or contact your IAM Delta base lead at http://www.iamdelta.net/contact/.
How long is my IAM a-card valid?
A-cards are valid for one year from the date you signed.
If you're not sure if your a-card has expired, just sign a new one.
No. However, the IAM may contact you to verify that you sent the card.
I’m a new Delta Flight Attendant. What is an A-card?
An “A-card,” or “election authorization card,” is a card that you sign requesting to have the right to vote in a union representation election. It is NOT a vote for or against a union. It simply means that you are requesting the right to vote in a union representation election.
What are my rights regarding advocating for and joining a union while at work?
Your right to advocate for and to join a union is protected under federal law.
Please visit http://www.iamdelta.net/resources/your-rights/ for a comprehensive explanation of these rights and what to do if Delta management interferes with your federally protected right to advocate for and to join a union.