The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) announced on November 25, 2025, that it will file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to hold a union representation election for approximately 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for conducting union elections in the airline and railroad sectors.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President, stated: “I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted. The IAM Union, the largest air transport union in North America, stands shoulder to shoulder with these brave workers and will mobilize our Union’s significant resources to ensure that these resilient JetBlue workers get the right vote.”
A previous attempt at unionization took place between December 2022 and February 2023. During this period, JetBlue management opposed the effort through what has been described as an aggressive campaign against unionization. Despite many workers expressing interest in a union election at that time, they ultimately voted against it after management made several promises which have reportedly not been fulfilled.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport General Vice President, commented: “Now is the time for JetBlue workers to join the IAM Union family and gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job. Conditions for JetBlue G.O. Crewmembers need to be improved. Safety on the job, pay, benefits, job security, favoritism, and general work rules can all be improved when Crewmembers unionize and demand change with the backing of over 600,000 IAM Union members.”
Johnsen added: “I also fully expect that JetBlue management will adhere to the law and allow JetBlue workers to vote without influence, coercion, and interference from JetBlue management. If not, we will leave no stone unturned to hold them accountable.”
JetBlue ground workers have cited issues such as below-standard industry pay rates and benefits, unsafe working conditions, disciplinary actions they view as unjustified, terminations without cause, among other concerns as reasons for seeking union representation.
IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm said: “JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family. The IAM will support JetBlue workers in getting to and winning this election and negotiating a union contract that reflects their true value to JetBlue Airways.”
The IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. airline and has about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense contracting, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services as well as automotive sectors throughout both the United States and Canada.
