Approximately 80 employees of UNIFI at Fresno Yosemite International Airport have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport Territory. The vote took place on December 3, following concerns from workers about stagnant wages, a lack of structured pay scales, and the absence of clear work rules or benefits.
UNIFI Fresno employees provide ground handling and aviation services. Prior to organizing efforts, they earned $16.50 per hour, which is California’s minimum wage. According to workers, their only pay increases were tied to state-mandated minimum wage adjustments. After management learned that union authorization cards were being circulated among staff, UNIFI announced a raise to $18 per hour in late August, but this did not deter the unionization effort.
Employees also cited management’s practice of creating work rules “as they go,” resulting in uncertainty and a lack of recourse for staff members. These issues contributed to the decision by many workers to seek representation through IAM.
“Congratulations to District 142, Local 1782 and especially our new members at UNIFI Fresno,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Bringing UNIFI Fresno into our union is another powerful step in strengthening worker power across the industry. We’re proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”
IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. stated: “The vote in Fresno sends a clear message, Air Transport workers want the power and protection that only the IAM can deliver. We’re honored to represent these new members and are ready to get to work on their first contract.”
The election was delayed due to a federal government shutdown that pushed voting from mid-October into early December. High turnover among vendor companies like UNIFI also posed challenges during organizing efforts, but supporters remained committed throughout.
A key figure in the campaign was Frances Finau, President of Local 1782, who facilitated contact with Aakash Narayan—a Southwest Airlines Steward at Fresno and member of Local 1782—who led organizing efforts locally.
“Being part of this campaign and standing alongside the UNIFI Fresno team has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Narayan. “These workers showed incredible courage and unity from day one. Even with delays and challenges, they never lost sight of what they deserved, a real voice, stability, and respect on the job. I’m proud to have helped them join the IAM family, and this victory belongs entirely to their determination.”
District 142 General Chair Boris Kochanoff will serve as representative for new members as preparations begin for contract bargaining with input gathered through an upcoming workplace survey.
