U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff Urges Free and Fair Union Elections for Delta Air Lines Workers as IAM Union Organizing Effort Heats Up in Atlanta, Nationwide

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) expressed his support for a fair and free election for workers at Delta Air Lines in a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian. Sen. Ossoff represents both the international headquarters of Delta Air Lines and thousands of Delta employees in the state of Georgia.

Sen. Ossoff joins Sen.Warnock, and a coalition of 25 U.S. Senators spearheaded by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), who are calling on Delta Air Lines to implement a neutrality agreement during the ongoing union organizing campaigns for approximately 55,000 workers at the carrier.

“Delta’s workforce undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in the recent honors the company has secured, such as being named one of Time Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Companies,’ one of Fortune’s ‘Top 50 Most Admired Companies,’ and the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Top U.S. Airline of 2023,’” said Ossoff in the letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastain. “In fact, Delta proudly affirms that ‘our people fuel our success.’ Out of respect for Delta employees’ contributions to this distinguished operational and customer service reputation, I urge Delta’s leadership to act as a good faith partner throughout this process. Both Delta and union groups should respect any relevant outcomes from a free and fair election.” 

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.

Delta workers, labor, and community allies will rally near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Wednesday, July 17, to push for IAM union representation at Delta Air Lines. The rally will be held the day before Delta Ramp workers, labor, and community activists appear on the Roland Martin Unfiltered Show on Thursday, July 18, to discuss the fight for IAM union representation at Delta Air Lines.

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.

“The IAM appreciates Sen. Ossoff for joining Sen. Warnock, members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, and all the members of Congress who are calling for fair and free election at Delta Air Lines,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Free union elections are the bedrock of a truly democratic society, where the rights and freedoms of every individual are held sacred. We are calling for an opportunity for Delta workers to choose their representation without fear or intimidation.”

Read the complete letter here.