AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta to show support for Delta Air Lines employees seeking 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.
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 the unionization effort. Delta is currently the only major U.S. airline where flight attendants, fleet service workers, and mechanics are not represented by a union. Only about 20 percent of Delta’s workforce is unionized. In previous years before the pandemic, Delta generated nearly twice as much profit as other U.S. airlines and is reportedly on track for record profits again.
The IAM recently addressed a settlement between Delta Air Lines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Under this agreement, Delta will pay $8.1 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations related to the Payroll Support Program—a federal relief program intended to protect jobs during the pandemic. The IAM claims this outcome supports their longstanding assertion that Delta accepted billions in taxpayer-funded relief but did not fully uphold its commitment to protect employee jobs, pay, and benefits.
“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 that day, labor leaders and union members gathered at IBEW Local 613’s Union Hall in Atlanta for a “Workers Over Billionaires” rally as part of AFL-CIO’s national bus tour.
For more information on Liz Shuler’s visit: https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1948155852457746661
For updates from IAM Union: https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1948119343910592845
