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? >>
IAM Awards Scholarships at Aviation High School Graduation
IAM Awards Scholarships at Aviation High School GraduationService to the Community11 July 2022Aviation High School recently held its annual graduation ceremony, the first in-person event since the pandemic. 480 students received their high school diploma, with many...
Lodge 811’s Ongoing Commitment to Community: Toy Drive for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Home Town Pride: Lodge 811 Continues A Long-Standing Commitment to Community Service with Annual Toy Drive for Pediatric Cancer PatientsCommitment To the Community: Local 811 Toy Drive for Pediatric Cancer PatientsService to the Community11 July 2022Local Lodge 811’s...
JetBlue Union Organizing Effort Heats Up
Tristan "Lion" Dutchin (center, light brown shirt) was instrumental in the historic campaign to bring union rights to the Amazon Staten Island Facility, the first such victory in the history of the trillion-dollar company.. He is lending his insights and support to...
Starbucks, Amazon Wins Inspire Organizing Everywhere
Summer of Possibility: Starbucks and Amazon Wins Inspire Organizing at Trader Joe's, REI, Target, and AppleLabor Notes5 July 2022Written by Dan DiMaggio and Angela Bunay.Baristas from across the country gathered at the Labor Notes Conference this month. As more stores...
Happy Independence Day, Machinists
Happy Independence Day, MachinistsGoIAM.org4 July 2022Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the IAM, Independence Day is the day Americans celebrate freedoms and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While many Americans will enjoy a long weekend, a...
Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines Mark National PTSD Awareness Day
Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines Mark National PTSD Awareness DayGoIAM.org1 July 2022Guide Dogs of America-Tender Loving Canines continues to advocate and serve Americans and service members in need. June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, to which...
Related News
United CEO Scott Kirby Takes a Private Jet Amid Thousands of Flight Cancellations
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, issued an apology on Friday for his decision to board a private aircraft amidst the flight cancellation chaos that left thousands of United's passengers stranded around the nation earlier this week.United CEO Scott Kirby Takes...
Ingestion Fatality at SAT Airport Ruled a Suicide
In a tragic incident late Friday night at San Antonio International Airport, a ground crew member, David Renner, 27, lost his life after he was pulled into the engine of a Delta Air Lines plane. Firefighters and police officers responded to the event around 10:25...
Retired Guide Dog Britta Takes Center Stage at Denver Charity Fundraiser
On the vibrant green fairways of Broadlands Golf Course near Denver, Colorado, a special guest named Britta stole the show at an annual golf charity event hosted by Machinists Union Local 1886 and Local 47. Britta is a retired guide dog who has spent her years serving...