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| Delta Flight Attendants today delivered more than 12,000 signed union authorization cards to the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C. |
Washington, D.C., January 13, 2015 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today delivered signed election request cards to the National Mediation Board (NMB) from nearly 12,000 Delta Air Lines Flight Attendants to formally request that the federal agency conduct a union representation election at the carrier.
An election victory for the more than 20,000 Flight Attendants at Delta would be the largest ever transportation sector organizing win and would cap off more than two years of grassroots efforts by Delta Flight Attendants to gain union representation.
“This is an historic day for these courageous Flight Attendants,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “The IAM stands firmly behind the Delta Flight Attendants’ effort to win a strong voice in their profession and stability in a volatile industry.”
The NMB is expected to order a representation election within four to six weeks of today’s filing. The 12,000 election request cards represent approximately 60 percent of all Delta Flight Attendants, well above the NMB’s minimum requirement of 50 percent to hold an election.
“An overwhelming majority of Delta Flight Attendants today demanded that a union representation vote be conducted,” said IAM General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “They are an inspiration to the entire labor movement. The IAM will make every effort to ensure that they achieve their goal of negotiating an industry-leading contract.”
“We are the reason Delta is the world’s most profitable carrier and leads the industry in almost every financial and operational measure,” said 35-year Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Gabe Perez. “Yet, we lag the industry in wages, benefits and work rules. That will change once we win our election and negotiate the industry-best contract we deserve.”
The IAM is the world’s largest airline union, representing approximately 100,000 workers at nearly every U.S. airline. For more information about the Delta Flight Attendants’ historic campaign visit www.iamdelta.net.
