Leaders from the IAM Air Transport Territory visited Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to officially welcome them into the IAM Air Transport Territory. The visit follows a recent vote by workers to remain part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) after defeating an effort to decertify their union representation.
The delegation included Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of IAM Air Transport Territory; Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff; Tom Regan and Juan Negron, Special Assistants to the International President; Jorge Bonilla, International Representative; Todd Roan, District 142 General Chair; as well as communications representatives from both the international organization and District 142. They met with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico employees to discuss the next steps as contract negotiations are set to resume after significant delays.
The transition brings these workers under the IAM Air Transport Territory umbrella, which represents aircraft maintenance professionals across major airlines. This move is intended to provide additional resources and support for members based in Puerto Rico.
“Welcoming these members into the IAM Air Transport Territory is about ensuring they have the strongest possible representation and the full backing of a territory that knows the airline industry inside and out,” said Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of IAM Air Transport Territory. “These workers stood together, defeated a decertification attempt, and made it clear they believe in the power of union solidarity.”
Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff for IAM Air Transport Territory, added: “Our visit was about listening to members, answering questions, and making sure they know the Air Transport Territory is fully invested in their success. These members deserve timely, fair negotiations and a contract that reflects the skilled work they perform every day.”
Tom Regan, Special Assistant to the International President at IAM stated: “Contract talks are resuming, and the framework is largely in place. The remaining issue is economics. Management delays have gone on long enough, and these workers deserve to secure the wages and benefits they’ve earned.”
John Coveny, President and Directing General Chair of District 142 at IAM said: “We are proud to officially welcome Lufthansa Technik workers in Puerto Rico to IAM District 142. Their unity and determination to remain IAM members speak volumes. District 142, alongside the Air Transport Territory, is fully committed to supporting these members and fighting for a strong contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and value to the industry.”
Ilianalyn Delgado, an aircraft mechanic at Lufthansa Technik in Puerto Rico commented: “We stayed IAM because we know a union contract is how we protect our jobs and our families. Having the IAM Air Transport Territory here in Puerto Rico, standing with us as negotiations restart, shows we’re not alone.”
