The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has announced plans to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election covering approximately 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections in the airline and railroad sectors.
“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.”
This move follows a previous effort from December 2022 to February 2023, when JetBlue management ran an anti-union campaign. During that period, management made promises which have not been fulfilled, and despite significant interest among employees for a union election, workers ultimately voted against unionizing.
“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 stated: “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.”
JetBlue ground workers have pointed out several concerns motivating their push for representation by IAM Union. These include pay rates below industry standards, inadequate benefits packages compared to peers at other airlines or unions in North America (https://www.goiam.org/), poor working conditions including safety issues on duty stations or tarmac areas where injuries are more likely due lack proper equipment/training/support systems than elsewhere within company structure across country lines as well unjustified discipline actions up terminations being handed down arbitrarily without recourse process available under current policies set forth by employer alone; many see gaining seat table through organized labor essential addressing such matters collectively rather than individually negotiating case basis internally.
“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,” said Mike Klemm, President of IAM District 141.
IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. carrier. In total it represents about 600,000 active or retired members across industries like aerospace manufacturing/repair operations; defense contracting services providers such shipbuilders/railroad transit maintenance staffers as well healthcare professionals automotive technicians among others throughout United States Canada according organizational profile (https://www.goiam.org/).
