The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has announced plans to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election covering approximately 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for conducting union representation elections in the airline and railroad sectors.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “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.”
This move follows a previous period from December 2022 to February 2023 when JetBlue management ran a campaign against unionization. During that time, management made promises to employees that have not been fulfilled, and although many workers wanted an election, they ultimately voted against forming a union.
“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,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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 also emphasized expectations regarding management conduct: “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 staff have cited concerns such as low industry pay rates and benefits compared to peers at other airlines, unsafe working conditions, disciplinary actions they consider unjustified, terminations without cause, among other workplace issues as reasons for seeking union representation.
“JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “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.”
IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. airline. The organization itself is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions with around 600,000 active and retired members across industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad operations, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive sectors throughout both United States and Canada.
