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? >>
Labor Day a Time of Celebration, Remembrance
This week, unions and working people around the nation celebrated Labor Day with outdoor cooking, gatherings, and some old-fashioned politicking. It was also a time of reflection, as the date also marks the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This week,...
Garcia-Keim Appointed Education Representative at Winpisinger Center
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Ines Garcia-Keim from District 141 as Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, effective September 1, 2021....
VIDEO: Passenger Screams at Flight Crews, Chews Mask, Gets Arrested
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']The meltdown tantrum adds to a year of record levels of violent attacks on airline workers. 61-year-old Timothy Armstrong was arrested and released with a citation for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.(Play Video on Tik Tok)...
Most Employers Plan to Require Vaccinations
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']A majority of US companies are planning to require employee vaccinations within the next four months, according to a survey of nearly 1000 employers. So far, about 22% of employers in the US have some form of vaccine requirement...
Disaster Assistance Resources
Disaster Assistance Resources Available Around the nation, our IAMAW Sisters and Brothers are dealing with several historic natural disasters simultaneously. Over a million residents are without electricity, access to clean water, and basic supplies on the Gulf Coast....
Hawaiian Airlines Negotiation Update
Your Joint District 141 and 142 negotiation committee met with the company on August 30 – September 1 in San Francisco. Although some progress was made and we were able to resolve some issues on both sides of the table, no agreement was reached during this session on...
Related News
Letter from JetBlue Crewmembers: JetBlue Outsourcing at LGA and BOS – What’s Next?
Primeflight supervisor working in LGA bagroom, June 11 2022. JetBlue is moving it's assets in LGA to Terminal B in preparation for it's 'de-facto merger' with American Airlines. JetBlue is also seeking to merge with Spirit Airlines in a hostile takeover. JetBlue, as...
July Helping Hands: Cultural Awareness
EAP Peer Volunteers: For July we address Cultural Awareness. Culture is defined, and why being culturally aware is important and how to develop cultural awareness are covered. All of us can benefit by increasing our knowledge of other cultures, their practices, and...
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...