AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta to support Delta Air Lines employees in their ongoing campaign to unionize. The visit was part of the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, which aims to highlight workers across the United States who are organizing for improved job conditions and respect in the workplace.
During her visit, Shuler met with representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and Delta employees who are seeking union representation.
Delta Air Lines remains the only major U.S. carrier where flight attendants, fleet service workers, and mechanics do not have union representation. Only about 20 percent of Delta’s workforce is currently unionized. In previous years before the pandemic, Delta reported profits nearly double those of other U.S. airlines and is expected to reach record profitability again.
Recently, IAM responded to a settlement between Delta Air Lines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia that required Delta to pay $8.1 million over alleged False Claims Act violations related to the Payroll Support Program. The IAM stated this settlement supports its longstanding claim that Delta accepted significant taxpayer-funded relief on condition that it would protect jobs, pay, and benefits but did not meet those terms.
“Delta workers are tired of being left behind while the airline earns billions,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “I want to thank President Shuler for encouraging the Delta workers to keep up the fight for fairness and a seat at the table.”
IAM officials say Delta employees are determined to form a union so they can secure contracts that ensure they share in company profits generated in their communities.
“Delta workers are leading one of the biggest labor campaigns in the country,” said IAM Union Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “They are not just organizing for themselves. They are raising the bar for every worker in our nation. We are proud to continue this fight for the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Earlier in Atlanta, labor leaders and union members gathered at IBEW Local 613’s Union Hall as part of a Workers Over Billionaires rally during AFL-CIO’s national bus tour.
