Leaders from the IAM Air Transport Territory have visited Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The purpose of the visit was to welcome the workers to the IAM Air Transport Territory and acknowledge their decision to remain union members after a recent decertification effort.
The meeting included IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, Chief of Staff Edison Fraser, Special Assistants to the International President Tom Regan and Juan Negron, International Representative Jorge Bonilla, District 142 General Chair Todd Roan, and communications representatives. They met directly with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico employees to discuss upcoming contract negotiations that had been delayed for some time.
The transfer of these workers into the IAM Air Transport Territory is expected to provide them with increased resources and support. This territory represents aircraft maintenance professionals at several major airlines.
“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.”
IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser stated, “Our visit was about listening to members, answering questions, and making sure they know the Air Transport Territory is fully invested in their success. These members deserve timely, fair negotiations and a contract that reflects the skilled work they perform every day.”
Tom Regan, Special Assistant to the International President at IAM, added: “Contract talks are resuming, and the framework is largely in place. 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.”
IAM District 142 President John Coveny commented on behalf of his organization: “We are proud to officially welcome Lufthansa Technik workers in Puerto Rico to IAM District 142. 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.”
Lufthansa Technik Aircraft Mechanic Ilianalyn Delgado said: “We stayed IAM because we know a union contract is how we protect our jobs and our families. Having the IAM Air Transport Territory here in Puerto Rico, standing with us as negotiations restart, shows we’re not alone.”
