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U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) has voiced her support for the ongoing organizing efforts of the Delta Air Lines union coalition. As the representative of the Second Congressional District, she represents Delta employees who work at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
In a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Craig urged him to respect the voices of Delta employees and her constituents by adopting a neutrality agreement and pledging not to interfere in any union organizing activities.
U.S. Reps. Nikema Williams, David Scott, Sanford Bishop, and Hank Johnson from Georgia, where Delta is headquartered, have also joined calls for CEO Ed Bastian to create a clear path for Delta workers to unionize without intimidation.
The support also comes after a Congressional Labor Caucus letter that garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.). Five other Republican members of Congress also penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
“A neutrality agreement simply consists of an employer agreeing not to engage in pre-election activities that influence workers’ freedom to form a union,” wrote Craig. “Your commitment to neutrality would ensure that management does not pressure workers into voting against unionization or delaying the election process. I believe a neutrality agreement is the bare minimum standard that Delta should meet in respecting workers’ rights and to comply with the Railway Labor Act’s directive to not “interfere… influence or coerce” its employees in their choice of representative.”
“We are grateful for Rep. Craig’s support of Delta workers in Minnesota,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Her solidarity in this battle will help improve the lives of Delta workers from her district.”
Up to 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
Read the complete letter here.
