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 about 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
“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 attempt between December 2022 and February 2023, when JetBlue management engaged in efforts against unionization. During that period, despite most workers expressing interest in holding a union election, they ultimately voted not to form a union after management made several promises which remain unfulfilled.
“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 stated: “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 low industry pay rates and benefits compared to peers at other airlines as well as unsafe working conditions among their reasons for seeking representation by IAM Union.
“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. carrier across North America. In total it counts about 600,000 active or retired members working in various sectors including aerospace manufacturing, defense contracting, shipbuilding as well as healthcare services throughout both United States and Canada.
