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? >>
Watch This Couple Scream at JetBlue Crewmembers, Get Thrown Off Flight
Warning: Adult Language and Content: The tantrum is the latest in a record-shattering number of air-rage incidents that have happened this year. This year, entitled and enraged passengers have been fined more than $1 million, resulting from more than 3,000 serious...
141 Report – Strong membership in DCA
In this week's 141 Report, Dave interviews the Grievance Committee at Washington's DCA Reagan Airport. The Fleet Service Committee Chair Salieu Turay and Committee members Delvonte Bratcher and Richard Villanueva talk about the 520 strong membership represented by the...
United Airlines September 27 Ultimatum: Union Guidance
[supsystic-social-sharing id='4']United Airlines September 27 Ultimatum: Union Guidance As you are aware, United Airlines’ deadline of September 27, 2021, to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or face separation from the Carrier is fast approaching. We know that many of...
Machinists Union Demands Employers Bargain Over Vaccine Mandate
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']The Biden administration recently ordered the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop a rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated...
FAA Fines Against Unruly Passengers Reach $1M
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed another $531,545 in civil penalties against 34 airline passengers for alleged unruly behavior, bringing the total for 2021 to more than $1...
20 Years Later, the IAMAW Remembers 9/11
IAM members, like so many, has a close connection to the tragedy of 9/11. Twenty years later, we remember and reflect. Recounted by IAMAW District 141 Legislative Director, David Roderick. During the September 11 attacks in 2001, 2,977 people were killed, 19...
Related News
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...
United CSRs in California: Important Information Re: MAP Devices
ATTENTION All California CSR's: Important Information Re: MAP DevicesDistrict Lodge 141, along with Local Lodge 1782, addressed the MAP Device Protection Program. United attempted to implement a policy that seems to require that United Airlines' workers who have been...