No Shortage Of Unions Vying For The Skies

by | Jun 22, 2023 | Bargaining/Negotiations, IBT, SEIU, Strikes, Travel, Unions

So far, mostly so good for Delta on the union front. The major exception to this rule: Delta’s 15,000 pilots, represented by the Air Lines Pilots Association.

As for 50,000 other Delta workers, unions would love to capture them. The Teamsters declared intent to unionize Delta mechanics; the International Association of Machinists aims to unionize cargo and ramp workers; and the Association of Flight Attendants wants to unionize in-flight workers, who rallied in Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend.

The mostly unionized Allegiant could serve as an example of where Delta workers don’t want to be. In 2012, the airline’s 1,100 pilots joined the Teamsters and have only seen one successful contract negotiation over a decade. Pilots remain frustrated over being the lowest paid in the industry and regularly flee the company. The same goes for 500 mechanics represented by the Teamsters.

Meanwhile, the SEIU continues to add to its roster of airport service workers – truck drivers, ramp agents, and custodial workers – who work for contractors based at American Airlines hubs across the U.S. The union recently declared victory at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where the SEIU added 500 members. The union’s typical first move with these workers is to push for hourly wages over $15.

On the ground: The Teamsters brought San Diego bus routes to a standstill by sending 400 workers to the picket lines and threatening to extend the strike for 20 days.

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