Approximately 80 employees at UNIFI, working at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport Territory. The vote took place on December 3, after a campaign that focused on issues such as stagnant wages, lack of work rules, and the absence of benefits.
UNIFI Fresno workers handle ground operations and aviation services. They stated that before union organizing began, they earned $16.50 per hour—the minimum wage in California—and any pay increases were only due to state-mandated adjustments. After management learned about the union effort, it raised wages to $18 per hour starting September 1. Workers described this move as an unsuccessful attempt to stop their push for unionization.
Employees also reported concerns about management setting work rules without clear guidelines or consistency, leading to instability and no formal process for grievances or workplace standards.
“Congratulations to District 142, Local 1782 and especially our new members at UNIFI Fresno,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Bringing UNIFI Fresno into our union is another powerful step in strengthening worker power across the industry. We’re proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”
“The vote in Fresno sends a clear message, Air Transport workers want the power and protection that only the IAM can deliver,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. “We’re honored to represent these new members and are ready to get to work on their first contract.”
The election was delayed by a federal government shutdown, moving from its original date in October to early December. High turnover rates among vendor companies like UNIFI also posed challenges for organizers during the campaign.
A significant part of the organizing effort involved Frances Finau, President of Local 1782, who connected organizers with Aakash Narayan—a steward at Southwest Airlines in Fresno—who became the lead organizer for this campaign.
“Being part of this campaign and standing alongside the UNIFI Fresno team has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Narayan. “These workers showed incredible courage and unity from day one. Even with delays and challenges, they never lost sight of what they deserved, a real voice, stability, and respect on the job. I’m proud to have helped them join the IAM family, and this victory belongs entirely to their determination.”
District 142 General Chair Boris Kochanoff will represent the new members as they begin preparing for contract negotiations through a comprehensive survey on workplace issues.
