AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta as part of the organization’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, meeting with union leaders and Delta Air Lines employees who are campaigning to form a union at the airline. The visit highlighted ongoing efforts by workers seeking improved contracts and respect in their workplace.
Shuler met with representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and Delta workers. Delta remains the only major U.S. airline where most flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics are not represented by a union. Currently, about 20 percent of Delta’s workforce is unionized. In previous years before the pandemic, Delta reported profits nearly twice that of other U.S. airlines, and is again on track for record earnings.
The IAM recently addressed an $8.1 million settlement between Delta Air Lines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia over alleged False Claims Act violations tied to the Payroll Support Program. The IAM has stated that this confirms its longstanding claim that Delta accepted government relief funds meant to protect jobs, pay, and benefits but failed to meet 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.”
IAM officials say employees want a union contract so they can 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 in Atlanta, labor leaders and union members gathered at IBEW Local 613’s Union Hall for a rally as part of AFL-CIO’s national tour supporting worker rights.
