Machinists Union Demands Answers to JetBlue’s Potential Misuse of Taxpayer-Funded Airline Aid

Justice at JetBlue
13 April 2022

The IAM is seeking answers to JetBlue’s possible misuse of funds from the Payroll Support Program (PSP), a component of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

In 2020, as a response to the destruction of demand for air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the CARES Act. The legislation, which included the PSP, provided approximately $50 billion in aid for U.S. airlines and mandated that the carriers not engage in involuntary layoffs, cut the salaries or reduce the benefits of airline workers.

JetBlue Airways received approximately $2 billion in aid, with most of it coming in the form of taxpayer-funded grants that do not have to be repaid. However, as they took the government funds, JetBlue management cut the working hours of its employees, which consequently cut their pay and benefits.

“We believe what JetBlue did was wrong,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “JetBlue cut the salaries of thousands of ground workers by at least 20 percent. These are frontline, essential workers who risked their lives coming to work during the height of the pandemic when no vaccine was available. They’re heroes in my book and deserve to be repaid with interest by JetBlue executives.”

The IAM’s Transportation and Legislative Departments are in communication with government officials to get specific answers to specific questions.

“JetBlue just came up with $3.6 billion to buy Spirit Airlines last week,” continued Johnsen. “Some of that money needs to be put back in the pockets of JetBlue workers and not used to shower money on greedy airline executives and shareholders.”

The IAM is the largest airline union in North America and represents over 600,000 members.

 

Related News

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141IAM141.org1 March 2025Jill Hazamy Brings Experience and Dedication to New IAM RoleJill Hazamy, a dedicated union leader at United Airlines, has been appointed IAM District 141 Vice President at Large by...

IAM District 141 Appoints Sue Weisner as Vice President, West

IAM District 141 Appoints Sue Weisner as Vice President, West

Sue Weisner Appointed Vice President, WestIAM141.org1 March 2025Sue Weisner Steps Up to Support IAM Members in the WestIAM District 141 President Mike Klemm has appointed longtime United Airlines leader Sue Weisner as Vice President, West, effective March 1, 2025....

United Airlines Negotiations Update for March 18, 2025

United Airlines Negotiations Update for March 18, 2025

Your IAM District 141 negotiating team and United Airlines management met last week in Chicago to continue contract negotiations for seven different contracts.United Contract Negotiations Update18 March 2025 Dear Sisters and Brothers, Your IAM District 141 negotiating...

Share This