IAM Union Criticizes Delta Air Lines’ Failure to Support Workers’ Rights

Richie Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) the nation’s largest airline labor union, released the following statement regarding Delta Air Lines shareholder’s rejection of the Amalgamated Bank’s resolution calling on Delta Air Lines to commit to follow International Labour Organization (ILO) standards on freedom of association and neutrality in union organizing campaigns: 

 

“Workers at Delta Air Lines continue to face obstacles from Delta management, including anti-union messages, surveillance, and unfair treatment of union supporters.

 

“This virtual shareholder meeting excluded Delta Air Lines workers and their union allies from directly voicing their concerns and demands. The resolution proposed was critical as it addressed ongoing allegations of anti-union activities by Delta management, including threats of repercussions for employees considering union representation.

 

“Delta workers deserve to be treated fairly and have a voice in their workplace. We continue to call on Delta to respect workers’ rights to organize and negotiate for a voice in the workplace. 

 

“We respectfully ask Delta to honor the principles of  the International Labour Organization standards on the freedom of association and neutrality in union organizing campaigns.” 

 

The IAM has a campaign for approximately 20,000 Delta Air Lines ramp, cargo, and tower workers. Delta 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 endorsed the campaign to organize Delta workers. 

 

The IAM has garnered the support of 26 U.S. Senators and a bipartisan group of more than 150 members of the U.S. House, led by the House Labor Caucus, who have called on Delta to remain neutral toward unions.