Leaders from the IAM Air Transport Territory recently visited Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The visit was organized to welcome the group into the IAM Air Transport Territory and to recognize their decision to remain with the union after rejecting a decertification effort.
The delegation included Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of IAM Air Transport Territory; Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff; Tom Regan and Juan Negron, Special Assistants to the International President; Jorge Bonilla, International Representative; Todd Roan, District 142 General Chair; and communications representatives from both the International and District 142. They met directly with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico employees to discuss upcoming steps as contract negotiations, which had been delayed for some time, are set to continue.
The transition moves these workers under the representation of the IAM Air Transport Territory. This territory covers aircraft maintenance professionals at major airlines and aims to provide additional resources and support for its members in Puerto Rico.
“Welcoming these members into the IAM Air Transport Territory is about ensuring they have the strongest possible representation and the full backing of a territory that knows the airline industry inside and out,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “These workers stood together, defeated a decertification attempt, and made it clear they believe in the power of union solidarity.”
“Our visit was about listening to members, answering questions, and making sure they know the Air Transport Territory is fully invested in their success,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “These members deserve timely, fair negotiations and a contract that reflects the skilled work they perform every day.”
“Contract talks are resuming, and the framework is largely in place,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President Tom Regan. “The remaining issue is economics. Management delays have gone on long enough, and these workers deserve to secure the wages and benefits they’ve earned.”
“We are proud to officially welcome Lufthansa Technik workers in Puerto Rico to IAM District 142,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny. “Their unity and determination to remain IAM members speak volumes. District 142, alongside the Air Transport Territory, is fully committed to supporting these members and fighting for a strong contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and value to the industry.”
“We stayed IAM because we know a union contract is how we protect our jobs and our families,” said Lufthansa Technik Aircraft Mechanic Ilianalyn Delgado. “Having the IAM Air Transport Territory here in Puerto Rico, standing with us as negotiations restart, shows we’re not alone.”
