The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) announced plans to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election among JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President, stated, “I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted. The IAM Union, the largest air transport union in North America, stands shoulder to shoulder with these brave workers and will mobilize our Union’s significant resources to ensure that these resilient JetBlue workers get the right vote.”
A previous effort to unionize occurred from December 2022 to February 2023. During this period, JetBlue management engaged in what has been described as an aggressive campaign against unionization. Management made several promises which have not yet been fulfilled. Despite many workers calling for a vote at that time, they ultimately voted against forming a union.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport General Vice President, commented on current conditions: “Now is the time for JetBlue workers to join the IAM Union family and gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job. Conditions for JetBlue G.O. Crewmembers need to be improved. Safety on the job, pay, benefits, job security, favoritism, and general work rules can all be improved when Crewmembers unionize and demand change with the backing of over 600,000 IAM Union members.” He added expectations regarding company conduct during this process: “I also fully expect that JetBlue management will 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.”
JetBlue ground crew members have raised concerns about pay rates below industry standards as well as insufficient benefits. They have also cited poor working conditions—including safety issues—and dissatisfaction with disciplinary practices as reasons for seeking collective bargaining.
IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm said: “JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family. 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 IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. carrier. Overall membership includes about 600,000 active or retired individuals across sectors such as aerospace manufacturing; defense; shipbuilding; railroads; transit systems; healthcare; automotive production; among others throughout both Canada and the United States.
