The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has announced its intention to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election among JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is responsible for overseeing union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
According to IAM International President Brian Bryant, “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.”
This move follows a previous effort between December 2022 and February 2023, when JetBlue management opposed unionization through what the IAM described as an aggressive campaign. Despite a majority of workers expressing interest in holding an election at that time, they ultimately voted against forming a union after management made promises that remain unfulfilled.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport General Vice President, stated, “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 also addressed concerns about potential interference from company leadership: “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 employees have raised issues such as low industry pay rates and benefits compared to peers at other airlines, unsafe working conditions, disciplinary actions they consider unjustified, terminations without sufficient cause, among other concerns as reasons for seeking union representation.
IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm commented on the development: “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. carrier. In total it represents about 600,000 active and retired members across several sectors including aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing as well as other industries throughout both the United States and Canada.
