The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Rail Division and the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU/IAM) have announced a successful organizing effort for 90 Alstom employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The workers, who operate and maintain the Plane Train automated people mover system, voted in favor of union representation, with results released on August 20, 2025.
These Alstom employees are responsible for running the Plane Train, which transports approximately 250,000 passengers daily between terminals at Atlanta’s airport. The workers cited concerns about job security, fair wages, improved working conditions, and wanting a stronger voice on the job as reasons for joining the union.
IAM and TCU/IAM organizers supported the workers throughout the process by building solidarity and informing them about union benefits. According to both unions, this outcome reflects broader efforts among transportation workers across the country to organize for better conditions.
With this result, TCU/IAM will begin preparations for collective bargaining to negotiate an initial agreement that addresses the priorities of its new members.
“This victory marks a historic moment as the first joint organizing effort between TCU and the IAM, and we could not be prouder of the outcome,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The Alstom workers, who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, perform vital work keeping hundreds of thousands of passengers moving safely every day through the world’s busiest airport. We proudly welcome these workers into our union family and look forward to negotiating a strong first agreement that secures the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”
Earlier this year, Alstom delivered new Innovia APM R vehicles to Atlanta’s airport as part of an $87 million project—its largest contract for replacing automated people mover vehicles so far. These upgrades aim to improve reliability and expand service capacity at an airport that served more than 108 million travelers in 2024 (https://www.atl.com/newsroom/press-releases/hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-named-worlds-busiest-airport-for-25th-year/).
“This organizing win is significant because the IAM Union was founded in Atlanta in 1888,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “More than 135 years later, workers in this city continue to carry forward the proud legacy of standing together for dignity, respect, and a better future. The Alstom Plane Train workers are now part of a union family with a history of fighting and winning for working people.”
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both TCU/IAM and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across several industries in North America.
