The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) announced plans to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election covering about 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for conducting union elections in the airline and railroad sectors.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Union, the largest air transport union in North America, stands shoulder to shoulder with these brave workers and will mobilize our Union’s significant resources to ensure that these resilient JetBlue workers get the right vote.”
This move follows a previous effort from December 2022 to February 2023, when JetBlue management opposed unionization. Despite promises made by management that remain unfulfilled, workers voted against forming a union at that time.
“Now is the time for JetBlue workers to join the IAM Union family and gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Conditions for JetBlue G.O. Crewmembers need to be improved. Safety on the job, pay, benefits, job security, favoritism, and general work rules can all be improved when Crewmembers unionize and demand change with the backing of over 600,000 IAM Union members.”
Johnsen added: “I also fully expect that JetBlue management will adhere to the law and allow JetBlue workers to vote without influence, coercion, and interference from JetBlue management. If not, we will leave no stone unturned to hold them accountable.”
JetBlue employees have raised concerns about low industry pay rates and benefits compared to peers at other airlines, as well as unsafe working conditions and issues related to discipline and terminations.
“JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “The IAM will support JetBlue workers in getting to and winning this election and negotiating a union contract that reflects their true value to JetBlue Airways.”
The IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. airline. It is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions with around 600,000 active and retired members across industries such as aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing sectors in both the United States and Canada.
