National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta as part of the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, joining union leaders and Delta Air Lines employees in support of their ongoing effort to form a union. The visit aimed to highlight workers organizing for improved jobs, contracts, and workplace respect.
During her stop, 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 union 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 Delta’s workforce is unionized, despite the company achieving nearly twice the profits of other U.S. airlines before the pandemic and being on track for record profitability again.
The IAM recently responded to actions from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, which required Delta Air Lines to pay $8.1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act during its participation in the Payroll Support Program. According to IAM, this settlement supports their position that Delta accepted significant taxpayer-funded relief intended to protect jobs, pay, and benefits but did not uphold those commitments.
“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 convened at Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 613’s Union Hall for a “Workers Over Billionaires” rally connected with AFL-CIO’s nationwide bus tour.
