AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta to support Delta Air Lines employees in their ongoing campaign to unionize. The visit was part of the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, which aims to highlight organizing efforts by workers across the United States.
During her stop in Atlanta, 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 seeking union representation. Delta is currently the only major U.S.-based airline where flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics are not represented by a union. According to industry data, only about 20 percent of Delta’s workforce is unionized. In previous years before the pandemic, Delta reported profits nearly twice as high as other U.S. airlines and is reportedly on track for record profitability again.
The IAM recently responded after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Delta Air Lines to pay $8.1 million to settle alleged violations of the False Claims Act related to the Payroll Support Program. The settlement follows claims that Delta accepted billions in taxpayer-funded relief under terms meant to protect jobs, pay, and benefits but did not fully comply with those conditions.
“Delta workers are tired of being left behind while the airline earns billions,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “I want to thank President Shuler for encouraging the Delta workers to keep up the fight for fairness and a seat at the table.”
Union organizers say they want a contract that allows them a share in company profits generated in their communities.
“Delta workers are leading one of the biggest labor campaigns in the country,” said IAM Union Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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 on Thursday, labor leaders and union members gathered at IBEW Local 613’s Union Hall in Atlanta for a rally called “Workers Over Billionaires,” also part of AFL-CIO’s national tour.
More information can be found via public statements from Liz Shuler (https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1948155852457746661) and IAM Union (https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1948119343910592845).
