IAM Files for Union Representation Election for Approximately 3,000 JetBlue Ground Workers
23 September 2022
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2022 — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest airline union, today announced that it will file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB), the federal agency that conducts union representation elections in the airline and railroad sectors. The IAM has sufficient interest among JetBlue Fleet Service workers to conduct a union representation election.
“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.”
JetBlue Ground Operations workers rebooted their efforts to gain union representation in 2021 after working through the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the worst financial downturn in the airline industry’s history.
“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. “When our country needed essential goods and services 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.”
“I also fully expect for JetBlue management to adhere to the law and allow JetBlue workers to vote without influence, coercion and interference from JetBlue management. If not, we will leave no stone unturned to hold them accountable,” continued Johnsen.
JetBlue workers have cited below-standard industry pay rates and benefits, poor and unsafe working conditions, unjustified discipline and terminations, among many other issues as reasons to gain IAM representation and a seat at the table.
“JetBlue workers are a smart, strong and determined group of workers and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM family,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “The IAM will support JetBlue workers in getting to and winning this election and negotiating a union contract that reflects their true value to JetBlue Airways.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in
the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
Get Printable Copy of Press Release >>
Related: We Filed: What’s Next? >>
Why the Machinists Honor Juneteenth
Why the Machinists Honor JuneteenthGoIAM.org19 June 2022Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the IAM, We have had a whole year to prepare our nation for Juneteenth as a federal holiday. A holiday that remembers June 19, 1866, the day Afro-Texans gathered to...
Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair Stations
Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair StationsGoIAM.org17 June 2022Washington, June 16, 2022 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure...
Machinists Union Sisters on the Frontlines
Machinists Union Sisters on the FrontlinesAir Transport14 June 2022Across the country, women are on the move in the IAM. In the IAM’s airline division alone, 13 IAM women serve as local presidents. Some are new to the position, while others have years of service to...
United Negotiations Update: Job Security Talks Continue
United Negotiations Update: Job Security Talks Continue Contract negotiations continued this week in Chicago, IL. IAM and United negotiators focused exclusively on IAM members' top priority, which is job security. We are cautiously optimistic we can reach...
Ken Theide Recognized for 65 Years of Machinists Union Action
Ken Theide Recognized for 65 Years of Machinists Union ActionRetirees Club10 June 2022Chicago's Local 1487 honored Ken Thiede for his 65 years of service to the Machinists Union.Longtime Labor leader Ken Thiede was honored this week for 65 years of service to the...
Spirit Delays Shareholder Decision on JetBlue, Frontier Merger
Spirit Delays Shareholder Decision on JetBlue, Frontier MergerJustice at JetBlue9 June 2022Both Frontier and JetBlue want to merge with Spirit Airlines. The Spirit Board wants a deal with Frontier, but Shareholders are looking hard at the money JetBlue is...
Related News
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional Coordinator
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional CoordinatorIAM141.org March 15, 2023IAMAW District President Mike Klemm and EAP Director Bryan Hutchinson have appointed Kris N Treder to serve as the new District 141 Midwest Regional Coordinator. Kris will...
Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work Repeal
Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work RepealIAM141.org March 15, 2023On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate passed a bill to revoke the state's right-to-work legislation, which permits employees in unionized positions to collect union-negotiated wages, pensions, and work...
Can Mediation Break the Contract Negotiation Deadlock for AA Flight Attendants?
Can Mediation Break the Contract Negotiation Deadlock for AA Flight Attendants?IAM141.org March 15, 2023On March 3rd, American Airlines' flight attendants union and company managers requested mediation from the National Mediation Board, hoping to resolve an ongoing...