Phoenix Airport Fueling Agents Vote IAM Yes
November 12, 2015
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| Fueling agents who work for Swissport in Phoenix voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM. |
More than 120 fueling agents at Swissport in Phoenix won IAM collective bargaining rights after an election was held this week. Workers, who reached out to the IAM with concerns over substandard wages, unsafe working conditions and job security, are responsible for fueling cargo planes and passenger aircraft at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport.
This is the second time the Phoenix fueling agents have attempted to organize with the IAM. Despite a fierce anti-union campaign on both occasions, the agents voted 91-2 in favor of IAM representation.
“This is a huge victory for workers at Swissport who desperately need the protection of a union contract,” said IAM Organizer Fabian Liendo. “It also shows the IAM keeps its promises. We said we’d come back and we kept our word.”
While the effort was headed up by the IAM’s Headquarters Organizing Department, the Transportation and Western Territories, as well as the IAM Legal Department and Airline District 142, all played a critical role in securing the win.
“This was a prime example of what can be done when we work together across territories and departments,” said IAM Headquarters General Vice President Bob Martinez. “Everyone who participated should be extremely proud of this victory.”
