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 covering about 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for conducting union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “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.”
JetBlue Ground Operations workers previously voted against unionizing following what the IAM describes as an aggressive anti-union campaign by JetBlue management from December 2022 to February 2023. Despite this outcome, many workers continue to express interest in holding a union election.
“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,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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.”
Johnsen also emphasized expectations regarding management conduct during any upcoming vote: “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.”
Workers at JetBlue have cited issues such as lower-than-average industry pay rates and benefits, unsafe working conditions, disciplinary actions they view as unjustified, and other concerns as reasons for seeking representation.
“JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “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 is recognized as one of North America’s largest airline unions. It represents employees at every major U.S. airline as well as about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive sectors throughout both the United States and Canada.
