Photo Credit: Brian Vega, IAMAW District 141 Social and Visual Media Coordinator.
AFL-CIO: Thousands of JetBlue Ground Workers Organizing With Machinists
AFL-CIO
28 September 2022
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors, and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Exciting news broke this morning that the Machinists (IAM) have filed for a union election on behalf of approximately 3,000 ground operations workers and baggage handlers at JetBlue. These workers say below-standard industry pay rates and benefits, poor and unsafe working conditions, unjustified discipline and terminations, among many other issues, are their reasons for wanting IAM representation and a seat at the table.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s been a long road for these brave workers to get to this point, and the IAM stands shoulder to shoulder with them. We will mobilize our union’s significant resources to ensure that these brave and resilient JetBlue workers have a fair and free election.”
“It’s high time that JetBlue workers gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen (not pictured). “When our country needed essential goods and services [sent] to where they were needed most during the pandemic, JetBlue workers answered the bell and risked their lives and health to make that happen. What did they get from management? They got their hours and pay cut because they didn’t have a seat at the table. That will end very soon.”
Passenger Rage is So Bad the TSA is Offering Free Self Defense Classes
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Amid a wave of violent attacks from passengers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is restarting self-defense classes designed specifically for flight crews and gate agents. The classes, which the TSA paused due to the...
Our View: Airlines Slowly Returning to Profitability Thanks to PSP
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Airlines are rebounding. This is due to many factors, not least of which is the taxpayer-funded Payroll Support Program. This legislation covered the wages for airline workers so carriers could keep them on standby for a quick recovery...
Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Two Machinists Union members have successfully completed the bachelor’s degree program in Labor Studies through the IAM’s partnership with the State University of New York’s Empire State College (ESC). Many thanks to the Machinists...
Related News
New House Measure Would Require Masks on Flights
The Healthy Flights Act of 2020 protects passengers and also ensures pilots, flight attendants, and other airline employees are provided masks and other protective equipment, requires the development of a national aviation pandemic preparedness plan, and commissions a...
Senate Plan Does Not Include Funds for Airlines to Avoid Furloughs
The GOP has released the details of their latest COVID-19 relief legislation named the “HEALS Act.” The proposed legislation not only cuts unemployment benefits to the 20 to 30 million Americans who are currently out of work, but falls short in just about every area...
Video Report: Airline Safety During the Pandemic
A Conversation About Union-Level Safety Activism With Dennis SpencerGate-Side Airline Safety Activism, Created, Directed and Maintained by Front-Line Union MembersBrother Spencer has been fighting for workers safety since 2008, when he became the Safety Chair for his...
AFL-CIO: Thousands of JetBlue Ground Workers Organizing With Machinists
AFL-CIO
28 September 2022
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors, and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Exciting news broke this morning that the Machinists (IAM) have filed for a union election on behalf of approximately 3,000 ground operations workers and baggage handlers at JetBlue. These workers say below-standard industry pay rates and benefits, poor and unsafe working conditions, unjustified discipline and terminations, among many other issues, are their reasons for wanting IAM representation and a seat at the table.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s been a long road for these brave workers to get to this point, and the IAM stands shoulder to shoulder with them. We will mobilize our union’s significant resources to ensure that these brave and resilient JetBlue workers have a fair and free election.”
“It’s high time that JetBlue workers gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen (not pictured). “When our country needed essential goods and services [sent] to where they were needed most during the pandemic, JetBlue workers answered the bell and risked their lives and health to make that happen. What did they get from management? They got their hours and pay cut because they didn’t have a seat at the table. That will end very soon.”
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.