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ATLANTA, May 24, 2024 – U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) expressed his support for the Delta Air Lines workers’ ongoing organizing efforts, urging the company to remain neutral in union organizing campaigns. Sen. Warnock represents both the international headquarters of Delta Air Lines and thousands of Delta employees in the state of Georgia.
Sen. Warnock joins forces with a coalition of 25 U.S. Senators spearheaded by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), who are calling on Delta Air Lines to implement a neutrality agreement during the ongoing union organizing campaigns for approximately 55,000 workers at the carrier.
“I encourage Delta to remain a good faith partner as these discussions continue and to respect the decision of its workers, regardless of the outcome, just as I ask of those leading organizing efforts,” said Warnock in a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “It is important that both the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws intended to protect workers are followed, and that the workers can make their own choices free of undue coercion.”
The U.S. Senate support follows a bipartisan group of more than 150 members of the U.S. House, led by the House Labor Caucus, who called on Delta to remain neutral toward unions.
“Workers deserve to share in the prosperity they help create, and Delta management can further empower its workers by doing all it can to make sure this effort is fairly conducted so that whatever the outcome is, your workers can go about their work confident that their voices were heard,” continued Warnock.
“The call for neutrality by Senator Warnock underscores a commitment to protecting the democratic rights of workers and promoting a fair workplace environment,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “By supporting the unionization efforts at Delta Air Lines, Senator Warnock reaffirms his dedication to the well-being and rights of workers in Georgia and across the nation.”
The 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.
“The IAM applauds Sen. Warnock and all the members of Congress who have taken a formidable stand urging Delta Air Lines to remain neutral and allow its employees to have a say in their futures,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “This growing support from members of Congress marks a critical moment in the fight for Delta Air Lines workers’ rights and sets a precedent for corporate responsibility towards employees’ rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
