National 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 efforts by workers across the country to organize for improved jobs, contracts, and workplace respect.
During her visit, 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 who are seeking union representation. Delta is currently the only major U.S. airline where flight attendants, fleet service workers, and mechanics are not represented by a union. Only about 20 percent of Delta’s workforce is unionized. Before the pandemic, Delta reported profits nearly double those of other U.S. airlines and is now on track for record profitability again.
The IAM recently addressed a settlement involving Delta Air Lines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Under this agreement, Delta will pay $8.1 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations related to the Payroll Support Program. The IAM has maintained since 2020 that Delta accepted billions in taxpayer-funded relief intended to protect workers’ jobs, pay, and benefits but did not honor these 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 that securing a contract would help ensure that employees receive a fair share of company profits 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 in Atlanta, labor leaders and union members gathered at IBEW Local 613’s Union Hall for a Workers Over Billionaires rally as part of the AFL-CIO’s national bus tour.
