The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced that approximately 30 Swissport workers located in Fort Myers, FL voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation.
“The IAM welcomes these brave Swissport workers who took a stand together to better their profession into our great union,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “I’d like to thank IAM District 141 for doing a great job in this campaign. Now that the first phase of this campaign is over, we will now work together to achieve the fair first contract that these Swissport workers deserve.”
The Swissport workers cited substandard pay, benefits and working conditions as the reason that they sought IAM representation.
“IAM District 141 is very proud to welcome the Swissport workers into the IAM’s largest district,” said IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chairman Mike Klemm. “We will now mobilize to ensure that these Swissport workers attain justice at the bargaining table and respect on the job.”
“I’d like to congratulate the Swissport workers here in Fort Myers for standing together in unity and forming a union with the IAM,” said IAM District 141 Organizing Director Frank Giannola. “These workers deserve a lot more respect, and by voting for IAM representation, they are going to get that respect.”
Swissport provides aircraft fueling services for multiple airlines at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida.
The IAM is the largest airline union in North America and the union represents over 600,000 active and retired workers.