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 country who are organizing for improved jobs, contracts, and workplace respect.
During her visit, Shuler met with representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and Delta employees involved in union efforts. Currently, only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized, making it the only major U.S. airline without union representation for flight attendants, fleet service workers, and mechanics. Despite this, Delta has consistently reported strong profits compared to other airlines 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. The airline agreed to pay $8.1 million over alleged False Claims Act violations related to the Payroll Support Program. The IAM stated that this settlement supports its longstanding claim that Delta accepted federal relief funds meant to protect jobs but did not fully uphold those commitments.
“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 that many Delta employees want a union contract so they can share more directly in company profits within 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 for a rally as part of AFL-CIO’s national tour.
