National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta to show support for Delta Air Lines employees seeking to unionize. The visit was part of the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, which aims to highlight workers organizing for improved job conditions and respect.
During her visit, Shuler met with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and Delta employees involved in the unionization campaign. Delta is currently the only major U.S. airline where flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics are not represented by a union. Only about 20 percent of its workforce is unionized, despite Delta reporting higher profits than other airlines before the pandemic and projecting record profitability again.
Recently, IAM responded to an order from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia requiring Delta Air Lines to pay $8.1 million to settle alleged False Claims Act violations tied to the Payroll Support Program. The settlement supports IAM’s longstanding claim that Delta accepted federal relief funds intended to protect workers’ jobs, pay, and benefits but did not fully comply with those terms.
“I want to thank President Shuler for encouraging the Delta workers to keep up the fight for fairness and a seat at the table,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Delta workers are tired of being left behind while the airline earns billions.”
IAM Union Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen added: “Delta workers are leading one of the biggest labor campaigns in the country. 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 as part of a Workers Over Billionaires rally linked with AFL-CIO’s national tour.
For more information on Liz Shuler’s visit: https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1948155852457746661
Additional coverage from IAM Union: https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1948119343910592845
