IAM Files for Representation Election for 350 Swissport Workers
Organizing
8 March 2022
The IAM this morning filed a petition at the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) in Newark, NJ, to represent approximately 350 Swissport cargo workers. The workers employed at the Newark Liberty Airport facility have sought IAM representation for almost three years.
![cargo fi](https://iam141.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cargo-fi.jpg)
“I’d like to congratulate the Swissport workers on filing for an election,” said IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chairman Mike Klemm. “It’s been a long road. I truly admire the resolve of these workers and look forward to them joining the IAM family.”
“Membership Services Director Frank Giannola has provided the leadership and support Swissport workers have needed to bring this campaign to a vote,” continued Klemm. “His team of District 141 Educators which include Carmelo Benedicto and James Wells worked hard to keep this campaign alive and never gave up on these workers.” Throughout this process, the Machinists Union Transportation Department under Chief of Staff Richie Johnsen has been an invaluable resource. Along with unwavering help from James Carlson, Assistant Airline Coordinator at the IAM, we are reaching more workers with a pro-union message, demonstrating the value of collective bargaining to a new generation of working people.
After failing to obtain an election in 2019, the Swissport workers answered the bell during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping goods and services flowing during the most tumultuous period in airline industry history. And then, in 2021, they recommitted to their campaign for IAM representation.
“I am very happy for the Swissport workers. They have exhibited courage and a steadfast commitment to gaining collective bargaining rights,” said Frank Giannola. “We will see this campaign through with a Yes vote and a strong first contract.”
The NLRB will now review the representation petition, and IAM union leadership expects Swissport workers to deliver a final vote soon.
Related News
Machinists Advocate for Middle-Class Jobs, Trade Adjustment Assistance at Global Supply Chain Forum
Machinists Advocate for Middle-Class Jobs, Trade Adjustment Assistance at Global Supply Chain ForumLegislative Goals25 July 2022Since late 2021, the economy has suffered debilitating setbacks primarily due to wrinkles in the global supply chain. As a result, President...
Message from JetBlue Organizers: Personal Time Has Value
Remember who you're really working for: Managers think that our jobs should be the most important things in our lives and that everything else should come second. They think that we should put aside things like family, building memories, and just doing nothing at all...
United Airlines Negotiations Update: Contract Negotiations Break Down
IAM141, United Airlines Contract Negotiations Break Down18 July 2022 IAM District 141 and United Airlines management met briefly last week in Chicago, IL, to review United management's "comprehensive" job security proposal. According to the Company, its proposal was...