More than 500 IAM members marched on Times Square in New York City this week for a rally to support Delta Air Lines workers’ right to organize into unions and to urge government investment in high-speed rail.
“We call on Delta Air Lines to let their employees make up their own minds about union representation without intimidation, threats and lies,” declared IAM Transportation GVP President Robert Roach, Jr. “All American workers deserve the freedom to make their own choices.”
The march and rally were part of the week-long 2009 IAM Transportation Conference, which included visits from New Jersey Democratic Governor Jon S. Corzine, Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt and AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy.
In addition to nationally-recognized speakers and industry reports about developments in the U.S. and Canada, delegates also took part in an emotional ceremony to honor the heroism of the IAM Flight Attendants who safely evacuated 110 passengers from the flaming wreckage of Continental Airlines Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport on December 20, 2008.
For their outstanding professionalism, courage and heroism, IAM Local 2339H Flight Attendants Albert Felipe, Regina Ressler and Pam Howard were presented with the first IAM Joint Air Transport Safety Committee Excellence in Safety Award.
Delegates at the rally in Times Square also cheered remarks from IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, TCU President Bob Scardelletti, IAM Canada GVP Dave Ritchie, District 15 Directing Business Rep. Jim Conigliaro and individual members who spoke passionately about the campaign at Delta and the need for a program of rail investment that gives the U.S. a first-class passenger rail system.
“When it comes to passenger rail, the United States lags far behind the rest of the industrialized world,” said Roach. “U.S. workers should build the parts, assemble the trains and maintain all elements of a new high-speed rail system,” said Roach. “We have all the skills and resources necessary to build a world-class passenger rail system. Since American taxpayers are funding the project, their investment should be spent putting Americans to work.”
Click here for photos of the rally and conference.
