AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta to support Delta Air Lines employees and union leaders in their campaign to organize the airline’s workforce. The visit was part of the AFL-CIO’s national “Better In A Union” bus tour, which aims to highlight efforts by workers across the country seeking better jobs, contracts, and respect at work.
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 involved in the unionization effort. Delta is currently the only major U.S.-based airline where flight attendants, fleet service workers, and mechanics are not represented by a union; only about 20 percent of its workforce is unionized. Despite this, Delta has reported strong financial performance compared to other airlines prior to the pandemic and is expected to achieve record profitability again.
The IAM recently addressed a settlement between Delta Air Lines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in which Delta agreed to pay $8.1 million over alleged violations of the False Claims Act related to federal payroll support during the pandemic. The IAM maintains that Delta received significant taxpayer-funded relief on condition that it would protect workers’ jobs, pay, and benefits but failed to uphold those commitments.
“I want to thank President Shuler for encouraging the Delta workers to keep up the fight for fairness and a seat at the table,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Delta workers are tired of being left behind while the airline earns billions.”
IAM Union Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen added: “Delta workers are leading one of the biggest labor campaigns in the country. 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 linked with AFL-CIO’s bus tour activities.
More information about President Shuler’s visit can be found on her official social media account: https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1948155852457746661
Further updates from IAM Union regarding their campaign can be accessed here: https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1948119343910592845
