Get your questions answered about the IAM
Your right to form a union, to organize your workplace, is protected by federal law. The Railway Labor Act is the law governing labor relations in the airline and railroad industries. Under the law, employees have the right to determine who their representative will be, without influence, interference or coercion from their carrier, its officers or agents.
Read all of your rights here.
If you feel your rights have been trampled on at Delta print off the following 'Record the Facts' form and turn it over to an IAM representative. Get your complaint form here.
If you have submitted your email address and are still not receiving weekly updates from District 143 call us at 651-688-2640.
Become a Facebook member and check out Operation: Organize Delta. Find out what is happening at other stations, ask questions, and read the postings.
The bulletins, Merger Watch and letters that are on this web site are in .pdf format. Click on the Adobe Reader icon to download a free install. (Once the file is downloaded to your computer just open and install.)
August 26, 2010Northern Light bulletin
August 25, 2010NMB issues single carrier ruling for Delta Fleet Service
The National Mediation Board (NMB) today issued a single carrier ruling for the Fleet Service (Ramp) classification at Delta Air Lines. This important ruling sets in motion a 14-day countdown that will determine if the workers in the combined Delta/Northwest Fleet Service classification at Delta will have a secret ballot election.
This 14-day period, which concludes on September 8, 2010, is the last opportunity for pre-merger Delta Fleet Service workers to submit signed election request cards. The NMB requires evidence of “sufficient interest” among employees before it will authorize a union representation election.
There is much riding in the election’s outcome. Delta has said that pre-merger Northwest employees will lose IAM-negotiated contractual benefits, such as pre-age 65 retiree medical benefits and healthcare premiums for active employees that are lower than what pre-merger Delta employees are required to pay. Also at risk is the only active guaranteed pension plan at the airline, paid sick time, occupational injury payments, and more vacation accrual than pre-merger Delta employees.
While IAM members have much to lose, both employee groups have much to gain. Following a successful election, the IAM will help Fleet Service workers negotiate an enforceable contract based on what Fleet workers tell the IAM they want.
Any pre-merger Delta employee in the Fleet Service classification who has not recently submitted a signed and dated election request card should do so without delay. Full-time, part-time and Ready Reserves are all eligible. Election request cards are only valid for 12 months from the date they were signed. Election request cards are available from any IAM representative, by calling 1-800-998-3554 or by completing a form at IAM4DELTA.ORG.August 17, 2010Machinists credit Delta Techs for election appeal win
IAM organizers cite involvement by Flight Simulator Technicians at Delta Air Lines for the government’s decision to order a new round of voting after the group fell short in a representation election held earlier this year. Union elections for air and rail workers are conducted by the National Mediation Board (NMB), which also investigates allegations of interference, but rarely overturns election results.
With evidence collected by Sim Techs in Minneapolis and Atlanta, the IAM filed an appeal with the NMB, claiming that Delta violated election rules by promising pay raises for non-union employees and holding coercive one-on-one meetings with employees. NMB rules specifically state: “No carrier, its officers, or agents shall deny or in any way question the right of its employees to join, organize, or assist in organizing the labor organization of their choice, and it shall be unlawful for any carrier to interfere in any way with the organization of its employees . . .”
The Board attached considerable weight to the testimony of many Sim Techs who stated that Delta’s announcement of a pending pay increase impacted how they voted. The IAM also charged that Delta violated NMB guidelines by promising to favorably adjust employee work schedules; conducting illegal surveillance of Sim Tech employees; misstating Board rules; denying lawful access to union representatives and permitting the distribution of a petition in an effort to prevent an election.
After a five-month investigation that included 20 interviews with Simulator Technicians, IAM representatives and management officials, the NMB ruled unanimously on August 10, 2010 that the conditions for a fair election had been tainted by Delta’s actions. “The right to vote without interference may be protected by law, but it takes people like the Sim Techs at Delta to ensure it’s more than just words on paper,” said IAM Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “Every union member owes them a debt of gratitude for defending a right that belongs to us all.”
In addition to its efforts among the Sim Tech group, Delta is currently waging aggressive campaigns against organizing efforts by thousands of Delta employees in a half dozen different classifications.
August 11, 2010Long-Term disability payroll deduction reduced by 25%
The Long-Term Disability plan that insures IAM members at Delta Air Lines has been
one of the strongest in the industry for over a decade. Your Long-Term Disability
Plan has provided members and their families over $40 million in disability benefits
since 1999. IAMAW District 143 negotiated your Long-Term Disability benefits and
significantly enhanced the plan in 1999. Since then, the IAMAW has worked to
insure that members receive the highest level of service and strongest possible plan
design.
The Union is pleased to announce that your Long-Term Disability
payroll deduction will be reduced by 25%, which will
be effective retroactive to July 1, 2010.
Your future paychecks will reflect this decrease—please note
that all plan provisions will remain the same.
IAMAW District 143 has consistently worked on your behalf to monitor the Long-Term Disability plan and the level of service provided to members on claims. As a result of these efforts, we are extremely pleased to offer this rate reduction to our members.
August 11, 2010NMB sets SimTech Election dates
The National Mediation Board (NMB) has scheduled the re-run election for Delta Airlines Lines’ Flight Simulator Technician (Sim Techs). The notice and sample instructions will be mailed on August 18, 2010. The voting instructions will be mailed to each eligible voter on August 25, 2010. The voting period will be from 12:01 a.m., ET, August 25, 2010, through September 16, 2010. The tally will take place at the Board's offices on September 16, 2010, at 2 p.m., ET. The election will be conducted by Telephone Electronic Voting and Internet Voting.
August 10, 2010 NMB orders new Sim Tech election
After a thorough investigation, the National Mediation Board (NMB) has unanimously concluded that Delta Air Lines illegally interfered with the February 2010 Flight Simulator Technician representation election and has ordered the election to be rerun.
“The Board found that Delta’s conduct interfered with, influenced, or coerced employees’ choice of representative in an election conducted pursuant to Section 2, Ninth of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).” The NMB’s complete decision can be viewed by clicking HERE.
The IAM’s complaints of interference included Delta promising raises on the first day of voting to only non-union workers and management conducting one-on-one meetings to influence workers.
The re-run election will be conducted using the NMB’s standard election procedure in place at the time of the IAM’s original election request filing. Therefore, any Flight Simulator Technician who does not vote in the election will be considered to have voted against union representation. No election dates have been set yet. All Flight Simulator Technicians should monitor the IAM’s Delta election website, IAM4DELTA.ORG, for the latest election news.
July 30, 2010 IAM files for Stores Clerk election
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today filed an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) seeking a single carrier ruling for Delta Stores employees.
A single carrier ruling is required before having a union representation election, and a separate ruling must be made for each classification seeking an election. This follows previous applications for Fleet Service (Ramp & Cargo) and Passenger Service/Reservation employees.
We anticipate Delta will agree that the airline is in fact operating as a single transportation system for Stores workers. Although there is no timeline for the NMB to issue its single carrier determination, this decision is expected to come quickly.
From the date the NMB determines that a single carrier exists, the IAM will have 14 days to present evidence -- in the form of signed election request cards from pre-merger Delta employees-- that a sufficient number of Delta Stores employees wish to have a union election. Pre-merger Northwest workers do not need to sign an election request card because they are already represented by the Machinists Union.
At the conclusion of the 14-day period, the IAM will submit all valid cards we have received to the NMB, who will then determine if sufficient interest exists for an election. While there is no specific time frame for the NMB to make such a determination, the IAM expects it will take several weeks.
If pre-merger Delta Stores employees do not demonstrate enough interest by submitting signed election request cards, there will be no Stores election.
Pre-merger Delta employees in the Stores, Fleet Service, Passenger Service/Reservation and Office & Clerical classifications can get an election request card from an IAM representative, completing an online form at IAM4Delta.org or calling the IAM Election Hotline at 1-800-998-3554.
July 28, 2010 NMB decision to trigger election countdown
The National Mediation Board (NMB) is currently weighing a request from the IAM to declare that Delta and Northwest are operating as a single carrier in the Fleet Service and Passenger Service classifications. A single carrier ruling by the NMB will initiate the final steps in the government's formal process leading to secret ballot elections for employees in each classification. Immediately following the single carrier ruling, a clock begins ticking on a 14-day countdown for the IAM to demonstrate there is enough support among employees of each classification to warrant an election. NMB guidelines require support from at least 35 percent of each combined classification before an election will be scheduled.
At the close of the 14-day period, the IAM will submit all election request cards from pre-merger Delta workers to the NMB, which, combined with the IAM's existing representation at pre-merger Northwest, will determine if the required threshold has been met. If all NMB requirements have been met, the board will then schedule a secret ballot election and resolve any disputes regarding voter eligibility. While the process moves quickly following a single carrier ruling, the NMB is under no deadline to complete its work and schedule an election period. The elections at Delta will be among the largest in NMB history, with more than 30,000 employees receiving instructions by mail about how to securely cast their vote by phone or internet.
July 22, 2010Delta action could delay action
Delta Air Lines today joined the Air Transport Association (ATA) in appealing a federal judge’s ruling denying their bid to overturn a fair election process in union representation elections.
“Delta is trying to distract its employees and the Machinists Union with baseless legal challenges,” said IAM Transportation General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “This further demonstrates what the judge in the initial case acknowledged – that Delta is delaying the election process. Delta workers are ready to vote. I call on Delta Air Lines to let them do so.”
The IAM remains prepared to go forward with elections for the Fleet Service and Passenger Service classifications. Click HERE for the latest developments.
July 16, 2010Delta filing supports IAM single carrier application
The Delta Air Lines today submitted to the National Mediation Board (NMB) its response to the IAM’s application for single carrier rulings for Delta/Northwest Fleet Service and Passenger Service classifications.
Delta agreed with the Machinists Union that the airline was in fact operating as a single transportation system for these two classifications. Although there is no timeline for the NMB to issue its single carrier determinations, they are expected to come quickly. (Separate determinations must be made for each group and may not happen at the same time).
From the date the NMB determines that a single carrier exists for a particular classification, the Machinists Union will have 14 days to present the NMB evidence of sufficient support for an election in that classification. Pre-merger Delta employees must show their support for an election by signing an election request card, which can be obtained by an IAM representative or by filling out a form HERE. Pre-merger Northwest employees do not have to sign an election request card, but they should encourage their pre-merger Delta co-workers to sign a card.
Without a sufficient showing of interest, there will be no elections and Delta workers will not be able to choose for themselves if they want a union to represent them.
At the end of the 14-day period, the NMB will no longer accept election request cards for that particular classification. After the NMB determines if the IAM has provided sufficient evidence of employee interest for an election in a particular classification, they will schedule an election for that employee group.
Signing an election request card only asks the federal government to hold an election and does not indicate how or if you will vote. All election request cards are kept confidential – Delta Air Lines will never know who signed an election request card.
July 14, 2010Election results of the 2010 District 143 Officer Election and Delta/NW Negotiators Election
July 9, 2010IAM holds historic merger summit
The prospect of a greatly consolidated airline industry is responsible for an unprecedented conference that took place this week at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland.
More than 100 IAM representatives and members from Districts 141, 142 and 143 are took pasrt in the first-ever Transportation Merger Summit, designed to coordinate resources for upcoming representation elections at Delta Air Lines and to consider implications of the pending United-Continental merger.
As the largest union in the airline industry, the IAM represents employees at each of the carriers involved in this latest round of consolidation. District 141 represents more than 16,000 employees at United Airlines; District 142 represents about 11,000 Flight Attendants at Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia and Express Jet; and District 143 represents 12,500 employees at the former Northwest Airlines.
Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. described the elections at Delta as having the potential to define working conditions in the airline industry for decades to come.
“We cannot and we will not allow a non-union Delta to set new low standards in benefits and compensation for the rest of the industry,” declared Roach. “The eyes of this industry and the world are upon us in this fight and we will rise to the occasion.”
July 1, 2010Machinists file for union elections at Delta Air Lines
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today is filing applications with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for rulings that will lead to union representation elections for more than 30,000 employees at Delta Air Lines.
“The election process will give Delta workers an opportunity to determine their future,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “Delta employees deserve to be represented by an organization whose sole purpose is to protect workers.”
The IAM is requesting separate “single carrier” rulings from the NMB with respect to the carrier’s fleet service and passenger service classifications. These rulings would establish that Delta and Northwest Airlines are operating as one carrier for representational purposes in each of these classifications, clearing the way for elections to be scheduled for each of these combined work groups. The Machinists Union is still investigating the single carrier status of stock clerks and office & clerical employees.
Following the NMB’s single carrier ruling, the IAM will have 14 days to provide evidence that sufficient interest exists in that employee classification to warrant an election. Proof of interest is demonstrated by a combination of the IAM’s current pre-merger Northwest membership plus signed election request cards from pre-merger Delta employees totaling at least 35 percent of eligible employees in each classification.
“The IAM campaign at Delta is about giving workers a voice, securing pension benefits and making sure Delta’s merger with Northwest does not strip workers of their right to an independent voice at work,” said IAM District 143 President Stephen Gordon.
Pre-merger Delta employees’ must sign election request cards to secure an election. If the NMB verifies sufficient interest exists, it will schedule and conduct separate elections for each classification. No set timeline exists for the NMB to hold elections.
The Machinists union is the largest airline union in North America, representing more than 110,000 airline workers, including 12,500 pre-merger Northwest Airlines fleet service, passenger service, office & clerical, stock clerks, simulator technician and plant protection employees. More information about the IAM’s campaign at Delta Air Lines is available at www.IAM4Delta.org.
PRINT BULLETIN
June 30, 2010NMB vote rule poised for takeoff
A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia swept aside a lawsuit by the Air Transport Association (ATA) and upheld the National Mediation Board’s (NMB) revised voting rules for air and rail representation elections. The nation’s transportation workers will now have the same voting rights enjoyed by workers in all other U.S. industries. The ATA lawsuit sought a preliminary injunction that would have blocked the new voting rules from taking effect on June 30.
Judge Paul L. Friedman denied the request and agreed with the NMB, which argued “the proposed change is essential to fulfilling its statutory mission to ascertain employee preference with regard to representation.” The new rule no longer requires a majority of a class or craft to take part for an election to be certified and says air and rail union elections must now be decided by a simple majority of votes cast. In his ruling, Judge Friedman noted that employees might fail to vote because they are traveling or sick, because of apathy, because of pressure not to vote, because of religious conviction not to vote, or when furloughed and therefore out of touch with other employees.
“There is nothing arbitrary and capricious about using a common democratic procedure, and moving away from a procedure that the Supreme Court, among others, noted was subject to inaccuracy in that it overstates opposition to representation,” said the board.
June 27, 2010Delta, workers await union representation elections
By Kelly Yamanouchi
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A judge has ruled against an airline group seeking to stop a federal labor board from changing a rule that could make it easier for unions to organize workers. The decision gives a green light for unions to file for representation elections at Delta Air Lines as early as next week.
The rule change would go into effect July 1 and unions expect to quickly file for massive union representation elections following Atlanta-based Delta's merger with Northwest Airlines. READ MORE
June 25, 2010Court rules in favor of the National Mediation Board
June 25, 2010Ben Hirst and the IAM
Last week we spoke of Richard Anderson’s management philosophy which
included maintaining a close relationship with the unions and their leadership.
Mr. Anderson believed that having an open and fair relationship with the
unions was a key element to the Company’s success. Today we will share
Delta’s General Counsel and Senior VP Ben Hirst’s view on unions and
the IAM’s role in the airline industry.
Mr. Hirst also worked at Northwest Airlines, under Richard Anderson, prior to hiring on with Delta. Mr. Hirst’s title then was Senior VP of Corporate Affairs. He was a key member of the Richard Anderson management team. Here are some excerpts from a speech he gave at one of our IAM District 143 Conventions.
While addressing over 100 union delegates who were in attendance, he asked the question, “Why should we care about the union movement?” He then answered his question as follows: “Well, the union movement supports a decent standard of living for its members, supports job security, which, in my opinion, is in the Company’s interest and not just the interest of individual employees…job security provides stability in a work force [and] is a very important element in delivering a product like ours and doing it in a very safe way. Because of this, you have to associate unions with family stability.”
He went on to say, “Unions, because of their ability to bargain for decent wages, support not only individuals…but also the local economies.” Mr. Hirst also stated, “Unions stand for safety in the workplace. That is a point I make in Washington again and again and again.”
He concluded by stating, “I think at the end of the day unions stand for human dignity because they represent people coming together and standing up for themselves in an environment which sometimes is brutal enough to overlook the importance of individuals. So I tell you where I come out on all of this is that the union movement is a very good thing. I learned that in a hard school.”
The IAM couldn’t agree with you more, Mr. Hirst. If you agree also, sign an election request card today, petitioning the NMB to conduct a representation election.
June 10, 2010 GOP Senator targets voting rights measure
The National Mediation Board (NMB) made history on May 11 when it declared that airline and rail workers deserve the same voting rights as workers in every other U.S. industry. U.S. Senators will soon begin debate on a last-ditch resolution by Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson that would block the NMB rule change and restore the unfair voting procedure that was a key tool in anti-union campaigns. Under the new voting guidelines, representation elections for transportation workers will be decided by a majority of workers who actually vote. The new NMB guidelines would end the practice of assigning “no” votes to all workers who do not participate in an election. CLICK HERE to send a message to your Senators and ask them to oppose the Isakson resolution.
June 2, 2010Significant Progress Made at IAM-Delta Meeting
The Machinists Union today met with senior officials from Delta Air Lines. The IAM requested the meeting so Delta could provide an update on the airline’s steps to becoming a single carrier for representational purposes following their merger with Northwest Airlines and so the parties could discuss other issues that have arisen. General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., staff from various Grand Lodge departments, District 143 President Stephen Gordon and members of his staff attended the meeting for the Machinists Union.
“We discussed a broad range of subjects, “said General Vice President Roach, “and have made significant progress toward our ultimate goal of representing workers at the combined airline.”
Some of the issues discussed include the Machinists Union’s access to the Delta property to represent IAM members and the timely handling of grievance matters. The meeting resulted in an agreement that District 143 would work directly with Delta Executive V.P. of Human Resources and Labor Relations Mike Campbell to resolve such issues.
The meeting also allowed the Machinists Union to respond to Delta’s allegations of employee harassment. IAM informed Delta that the union had investigated the airline’s allegations, but had not uncovered any credible claims of harassment from Delta employees. The IAM offered to investigate further if Delta would provide specific instances of alleged harassment, but the Delta officials did not provide any details and indicated there have been no further complaints or negative reports.
“The Machinists Union does not condone harassment of any individual, especially those that we will ultimately represent,” said Roach.
The carrier made a detailed presentation on their status of operating as a single carrier, claiming that they were fully integrated at this point in time. The IAM questioned some of the findings in Delta’s presentation. Additionally, the Machinists Union had questions concerning individuals who had worked in pre-merger IAM/NWA classifications and now work in non union pre-merger Delta positions.
Delta management indicated that they would provide additional information concerning all of the IAM’s inquires. Both parties agreed to set up another meeting shortly in a concerted effort to move the process forward.June 1, 2010CBTU delegates support IAM-Delta campaign
In an unmistakable display of solidarity with Machinists fighting to represent more than 30,000 workers at Delta Airlines, nearly 1,000 delegates at the 39th International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) poured into Detroit’s Wayne County International airport wearing the IAM campaign’s signature blue shirts.
“We are here to say ‘thank you’ for the support you’ve given us over the past year and to ask you again to stand with us as this campaign moves into high gear,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr., who addressed the convention. “This campaign is not only for the workers at Delta, but for the very future of labor unions in the airline industry.”
The convention included workshops, panel discussions and speakers who urged delegates to demand solutions to the jobs crisis from candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
“We are in the midst of the most severe economic recession in generations, with African-American unemployment topping 20 percent in many cities,” said IAM Executive Assistant Diane Babineaux, who was re-elected by delegates to a new two-year term as Trustee. “We need to elect candidates who understand the depth of the crisis and are prepared to support legislation to create jobs and protect the jobless now and in the future.”
The IAM was recognized during the convention for being an original and ongoing sponsor of the CBTU Annual Golf Tournament, which this year provided 10 scholarships for children of CBTU members.
CBTU delegates also welcomed special guests Mississippi Democratic Rep. Benny Thomson and actor and political activist Danny Glover, who were both presented with IAM ‘Union Strong’ shirts. Both Thompson and Glover expressed support for the IAM's campaign to bring union representation to Delta workers.
May 10, 2010Machinists respond to NMB rule change
The National Mediation Board (NMB) today published in the FEDERAL REGISTER its final change to rules governing representation elections conducted under the Railway Labor Act. Read the NMB press release HERE.
“Thousands of Machinists Union members and hundreds of members of Congress told the NMB that it was time to end its 75-year practice of imposing a viewpoint on people who, either by choice or by chance, do not participate in representation elections,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “IAM attorneys will evaluate this new rule to determine its impact on several upcoming elections in the air and rail industry.”
Under the NMB’s previous election guidelines, 50+1 of eligible voters in an election were required to participate in the election in order for the NMB to certify a union. Anyone who did not cast a vote was automatically considered to have voted against union representation. In contrast, union representation elections conducted under the National Labor Relations Act, as well as all other public elections, are decided by a simple majority of those who actually cast a ballot.
The NMB’s new rule will take effect 30 days after being published in the Federal Register.The Machinists Union is the largest air and rail union in North America, representing more than 130,000 workers covered by the Railway Labor Act. More information about the Machinists Union is available at WWW.GOIAM.ORG.
Related Stories: Delta, Airlines Face Challenge Slowing Union Drives; Federal labor board changes rule; Delta union elections likely
May 6, 2010NMB to investigate Delta’s interference in Sim Tech election
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that it would investigate the IAM’s charges that the Delta Air Lines illegally interfered in the representation election for 91 flight simulator technicians.
NMB General Counsel Mary Johnson wrote, “After reviewing the submissions provided by Delta and the lAM, I find that because the lAM's allegations and supporting evidence if true, would warrant a finding of election interference, the lAM has presented a prima facie case of election interference. The Board will commence its investigation and will be in contact with the participants to schedule interviews and an on-site investigation.”
Some examples of interference include Delta announcing a pay raise for non-contract employees on the first full day of voting in the election, holding one-on-one meetings with workers to influence how employees will vote, and conducting surveillance on employees to discourage employees from talking about the benefits of a union.
If the Board concludes there was interference, it is likely to order a new election. In such circumstances, the Board may modify the balloting procedures. The complete NMB correspondence is available for viewing and printing at IAM4DELTA.ORG.
May 5, 2010NMB finds need for further investigation in Sim Tech election interference case
"...After reviewing the submissions provided by Delta and the lAM, I find that
because the lAM's allegations and supporting evidence if true, would warrant a finding
of election interference, the lAM has presented a prima facie case of election
interference. The Board will commence its investigation and will be in contact with the
participants to schedule interviews and an on-site investigation."
Sincerely,
Mary L. Johnson
General Counsel
National Mediation Board
April 28, 2010Delta, Northwest workers urged to reject intimidation
In a LETTER mailed to workers at Delta and Northwest Airlines, Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. described the reports of harassment and intimidation by Delta managers during the recent round of organizing visits in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit and other cities.
“A surprising number of Delta workers told us of how they supported the IAM campaign, but were terrified to be seen just making eye contact with an IAM representative anywhere near their workplace,” said Roach. “We also heard stories of how intimidation by Delta managers causes some employees to work in a constant state of fear – fear of making a mistake, fear of unjust discipline, fear of losing their jobs.
“The Machinists Union is moving quickly to provide you with an opportunity to vote, and signing a card helps guarantee you have the option to choose whether a union – and a workplace free from intimidation and fear,” said Roach. “There is no reason for any person to have to work in fear. You do your job in a professional way and that should be respected.”
For more information about the campaign at Delta, visit IAM4DELTA.ORG.
April 27, 2010A message on election request cards
Over the last month the Machinists Union has spoken with thousands of Delta employees at their homes, over the phone and in group meetings outside the workplace. These discussions have proven very valuable not only in the amount of interest Delta employees have demonstrated by signing ELECTION REQUEST CARDS, but also in illustrating the fear many Delta workers have of their managers.
A surprising number of Delta workers told us of how they supported the IAM’s campaign, but were terrified to be seen just making eye contact with an IAM representative anywhere near their workplace. We also heard stories of how intimidation by Delta managers causes some employees to work in a constant state of fear – fear of making a mistake, fear of unjust discipline, fear of losing their jobs.
There is no reason for any person to have to work in fear. You do your job in a professional way, and that should be respected.
If you or anyone you know has been the victim of intimidation or treated unfairly at work, there is an anonymous way to change your workplace for the better. You should SIGN AN ELECTION REQUEST CARD.
Delta Air Lines will never know who requested an election. The cards go directly from the Machinists Union to the National Mediation Board, the government agency who will conduct the election. Neither the cards nor the information they contain are ever seen by Delta.
The IAM has requested meetings with Delta’s senior management three times in the last few months in an effort to move the process forward. Hopefully, Delta will stop ignoring the IAM’s offer to meet so Delta workers can finally vote on their futures.
The Machinists Union is moving quickly to provide you with an opportunity to vote, and SIGNING A CARD helps guarantee you have the option to choose whether a union – and a workplace free from intimidation and fear – is what you want.
Sincerely,
Robert Roach, Jr.
General Vice President
April 26, 2010Union "Yes" Delta Worker newsletters
The appearance may be retro but the information is not. What held true during the merge of Republic and Northwest Orient holds true today-- you need protection in the workplace.
 |
 |
YOUR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS
April 15, 2010Office of the General Vice President
The lAM has requested meetings with Richard Anderson and/or yourself to discuss a number of pressing matters including, (1) lAM's equal access to Delta employees and (2) to respond to your allegations that the lAM has been harassing Delta employees at their homes.
In addition, in your February 18, 2010 letter you indicated that "At this stage, there is absolutely no reason for your organization not to file to resolve representation at NWA." In my February 26, 2010 response, I suggested that we "sit down face-to-face and have an earnest discussion on these very important matters." Our last meeting of this nature in July 2009 led to the lAM being able to file an application for representation for three crafts or classes.
To date, we have not received any response from Richard Anderson or yourself to arrange a meeting. Therefore, we are, for the third time, requesting to schedule a meeting with the appropriate Delta officials to discuss these issues in a concerted effort to move this process forward.
Please contact my office at 301-967-4514 to schedule a meeting at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Robert Roach, Jr.
General Vice President
April 15, 2010Airline consolidation rumors take flight
On the heels of a single article that quoted an unnamed source about the prospect of
additional mergers in the airline industry, US Airways stock surged as much as 26 percent
in after hours trading and UAL stock jumped by eight percent.
In a subsequent article by Ted Reed published in THESTREET.COM, IAM Transportation
General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., questioned the motivation behind the latest
consolidation rumors. “This could be speculators pushing up the price of the stock, or it
could be a ploy to get Continental to make a move on United,” said Roach, who noted the
code sharing and anti-trust immunity arrangements between United and Continental.
If a United-US Airways merger ever gained traction, it would not be the first time such a pairing was attempted. A $4.3 billion deal in 2000 was shot down after opposition from the Machinists Union and the U.S Justice Department, and merger talks in 2008 ended unsuccessfully after several months.
“If there were only two airlines left in the country, I am sure they would be complaining about too much competition and trying to merge,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger.
Airline executives and industry analysts generally favor additional consolidation as a heavy handed means to reduce capacity and increase ticket prices. Passengers, communities and airline employees are generally less enthusiastic mergers, having already witnessed the layoffs, service cuts and higher prices that typically follow corporate mergers.
“The IAM is understandably skeptical of the so-called synergies, efficiencies and other benefits touted by airline executives,” said Roach. “Our interest and our resources are focused exclusively on protecting the welfare of our members and our potential members in this turbulent industry. The IAM Transportation Merger Team, established in 2006, continues to monitor all potential pairings and how they might affect our membership.”
April 13, 2010IAM's progress at Delta strikes a nerve
The IAM Transportation Department led a week-long, nationwide organizing blitz of Delta Air Lines workers that was so successful the airline's CEO resorted to the threat of arrest in hopes it would impede the organizers' progress. He was wrong.
More than 100 organizers from the Transportation Department, Grand Lodge Organizing Department, Southern Territory, Districts 141, 142 and 143 and a half-dozen Local Lodges nationwide engaged thousands of Delta workers through personal visits to their home and by telephone. More than 2,500 homes were visited in Delta's home city of Atlanta alone.
"Locals in Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis and Seattle reached out to thousands of Delta workers to answer their questions about the Machinists Union and the election process," said Transportation Coordinator Jay Cronk. "Teams of IAM organizers visited Delta workers throughout Atlanta, New York and Salt Lake City. In an overwhelming majority of cases, Delta workers welcomed the opportunity to speak with IAM representatives outside of their workplace. Delta's use of fear and intimidation to prevent employees from learning about the IAM at work is widespread, but at home the employee is in charge and they are open to hearing what the IAM has to offer."
Some issues repeatedly raised by Delta workers included how Delta managers question workers seen speaking to union representatives, why Delta refuses toe allow the IAM access to workers and how union literature is routinely destroyed by management.
Another measure of the IAM's success is Delta's response. CEO Richard Anderson urged employees to call the police if they felt threatened by the IAM trying to speak with them. The IAM received no reports that anyone took this advice or felt threatened. To the contrary, many people reported that they felt relieved to be free to discuss the union for the first time.
"The IAM will speak with every Delta employee who has questions about the Machinists Union," District 143 President Stephen Gordon. "We are not intimidated one bit by Delta's threats. In fact, so many Delta workers we visited signed the election request cards necessary to hold an election we intend to expand the home visit program to additional cities."
More information about the IAM's campaign at Delta is available at IAM4DELTA.ORG.
April 8, 2010A letter to the Delta Air Lines CEO
District 143 PDGC Stephen Gordon writes a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson concerning the alleged behavior of IAM reps in the field
Dear Mr. Anderson:
Your recent allegations about the conduct of representatives of the lAM who are visiting employees' homes are shocking and untrue - but alas not surprising.
As you know, the Machinists Union today represents thousands of Northwest Airlines/Delta Air Lines employees. In spite of this fact, you still restrict lAM access to our membership so that you can try to deal with employees as in a non-union environment.
You also refuse us access to pre-merger Delta employees who may have questions about the Machinists Union or upcoming representation elections. Many of your employees ask why Delta won't allow the lAM to be present when your managers discuss the Machinists Union. Delta employees are starved for the complete picture - they know they are only hearing what Delta wants them to hear. Your actions, and Delta's history of threats and intimidation of workers who show interest in learning about a union, prompted the lAM to meet with workers outside of Delta's watchful eye.
Now you are even trying to prevent your employees from receiving information off Delta's premises by making outrageous allegations. The offenses you have publicly alleged are not true. Yes, we did meet with your employees on their own personal time outside of Delta property. During these visits we received complaints of Delta managers telling workers not to meet with us. We were also told of how Delta managers question workers who are seen speaking to union representatives, and how union literature is routinely destroyed by your managers. All in all, our visits were well received, people were relieved to finally hear our side, and the visits generated a lot of interest among your employees in having a representation election.
While I recognize your recent allegations were crafted for public consumption, I would remind you that you testified before Congress stating that you wanted your employees to get both sides of a union/non-union debate. I question how you expect employees to get proper information when you continue to deny our representatives access to work locations and urge employees not to speak to us on their own time. It appears that you are really only interested in your employees hearing Delta's propaganda.
I am available to meet with you at any time to have an open and frank discussion regarding Delta's conduct while employees make a choice about union representation. Please contact my office at your earliest convenience to schedule a meeting.
Respectfully,
Stephen M. Gordon
President and Directing General Chair
April 8, 2010Why would Richard Anderson fabricate untruths?
As many of you are aware, the IAM recently completed the largest organizing blitz to date for Delta Air Lines employees. Hundreds of our brothers and sisters participated in a week-long organizing drive wherein we were able to access thousands of employees through phone banks and door knocking. These venues provided employees of Delta Air Lines an opportunity to have open conversation, without fear of retribution, about the many positive things that the IAM has to offer each of them.
Simply because of the effectiveness of our "blitz," former Northwest Airlines, and now Delta Air Lines, CEO Richard Anderson slandered our successful effort by stating allegations that we have frightened their spouses or children and, in some cases, blocked their driveways, preventing them from leaving. These allegations are just another example of how desperate Delta Air Lines has become in their effort to remain non-union.
I can assure each and every one of our members that our conduct was beyond professional, and our visits
were welcomed by Delta employees. In fact, many of those whom we met with were thankful that we
drove all the way to their home to have candid discussions with them about the union advantage without
fear of retribution from management. Similar messages were echoed by Delta employees who received
phone calls from members of the IAM.
Stories of workplace oppression, ever-changing policy and procedures, and an executive management team philosophy that has changed from people before profits to profits before people saturated almost all of our conversations. These are stories that apparently Delta CEO Richard Anderson is not willing to report for public consumption; rather, he is willing to harm the reputation of every hard working man and woman who believes in the lawful right to join a union.
Richard Anderson's comments and the comments of his long-string puppets come as no surprise. Instead, we anticipated prior to our "blitz" that they would fabricate stories of disrespect and bullying in the mere hope of continuing to create a divide-and-perpetuate angst amongst all Delta Air Lines employees—which is you. His comments are hideous and should only highlight the effort and the lengths that Delta Air Lines will go to battle unionization.
I question that if our actions are so egregious and employees are so upset with our visits, then why would Delta management want to stop us? The only answer that I can offer is because we are having great success! We don't need to scare children, spouses or employees; they are scared enough of Delta Air Lines management's rhetoric.
I encourage everyone to talk to your Delta counterparts—regardless if management tells you not to. You have a right by law to do so. Encourage them to meet with our brothers and sisters, encourage them to sign an election request card. There is a common thread that runs through all of our organizing stories—the ability to draw strength from suffering, the determination to not just advance our own lives, but the lives of others as well. This is what makes Union sisters and brothers so extraordinary—that we not only refuse to be victims of injustice and oppression—we also refuse to be bystanders.
Fraternally and in solidarity,
Stephen M. Gordon
President/Directing General Chair
April 7, 2010Some Ready Reserve questions and answers
Q: Will Ready Reserve employees vote in a union representation election?
A: Yes. Although some local Delta managers are telling Ready Reserve workers they will not vote in an election, the National Mediation Board (the government agency that conducts union elections in the airline industry) has already ruled in previous union elections at Delta that Ready Reserve employees are eligible to vote – and have voted in the past.
Q: Since Delta knows Ready Reserve employees are eligible to vote, why do they continue to say otherwise?
A: Delta may be providing misinformation to discourage Ready Reserve employees from signing a card to request an election. If a member of Delta management has told you that Ready Reserve employees are unable to vote in union representation elections, FILL OUT THIS CONFIDENTIAL FORM (Adobe Reader required) or contact the Machinists Union – such actions by Delta are illegal.
Q: Is the Machinists Union going to eliminate Ready Reserve?
A: No, but Delta treats Ready Reserve like second-class employees, and the Machinists Union thinks they deserve better.
Q: What will Ready Reserve look like after a union contract?
A: That is up to Ready Reserve employees. After the Machinists Union is certified to represent pre-merger Delta employees, all employees – including Ready Reserve - will be asked what they want their contract to look like. Some of the items employees will be asked to provide their opinion on include wages, medical benefits, schedules, paid vacations, paid sick leave and the option for a Ready Reserve employee to transfer to full-time, if the employee chooses. After Ready Reserve and other workers state their priorities and vote to elect negotiators, the Machinists Union will engage in negotiations with Delta. Ready Reserve employees will join other workers in voting whether to accept the results of those negotiations, or send your negotiators back to the bargaining table. In the Machinists Union, the membership always has the final word. The Machinists Union wants Ready Reserve to work for Delta employees, not just Delta management. But it all starts with an election.
Visit IAM4DELTA.ORG or call 1-800-998-3554 to request an election.
March 30, 2010What is Delta afraid of?
Why don’t they want you to get all the facts?
What is it they don’t want you to know?
Delta is attempting to deny you your right to make an educated choice by telling you to avoid the IAM representatives who are visiting your homes in an earnest attempt to offer you information on what’s at stake in the upcoming representation election.
Another fact you should know, contrary to what management has been telling you, an authorization card requesting an election is just that – a card that says you want to vote, period! It doesn’t indicate how, or if, you will actually cast a vote. It does not commit you to voting for, much less joining, a union. In fact, it doesn’t commit you to anything. Signing a card just offers an opportunity to vote.
If you believe that you should keep your options open while you learn both sides of the union/non-union debate, you should protect your right to make up your own mind by signing a card to request an election today.
You have a right to know the truth and we are committed to providing you with the facts. The IAM has requested access to lunch and break rooms to speak with you on these issues, but to date Delta management has refused to grant us that access.
Call on Delta management to allow us to speak with you in your workplace and allow us to give you the facts to ensure you hear both sides of the debate. What is Delta afraid of?Visit IAM4DELTA.ORG or call 1-800-998-3554 to sign a card requesting an election and to learn more about the Machinists Union and the National Mediation Board’s election process.
February 5, 2010COMMITMENT OR CONTRACT
District 143 has been made aware that Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson has committed to "pay raises" for U.S.-based frontline, non-contract employees effective October 1, 2010. Everyone should question—why not now?
First of all, they are not "pay raises"; more likely they are giving back a fraction of what they have taken from their employees years ago. Secondly, it is very ironic that Mr. Anderson waited to make this announcement as soon as the first IAM representation election (Simulator Technicians) begins with the mere hope of influencing pre-merger Delta and pre-merger Northwest voters throughout their election.
You see, this is nothing new for Delta Air Lines employees. During a previous organizing drive in 1999, Delta
Air Lines made similar commitments to their "non-contract" employees a few weeks prior to a representation
filing, all in the hope that they could stave off a union representation drive—and it worked for Delta management.
But a few years later, Delta Air Lines arbitrarily took whatever they wanted from them—without any say
from their employees because they did not have a union to negotiate for them.
Furthermore, in their effort to divide and conquer, Delta Air Lines feels compelled to refuse pre-merger Northwest employees the same increases. They would like you to believe that because of our collective bargaining agreements they cannot give you an increase. This is simply not true. Both District 143 in the past and the Grand Lodge recently have sent letters to Mr. Anderson reminding him that there is NOTHING in our agreements that would prohibit him from providing increases to ALL Delta Air Lines employees—contract and noncontract.
If Mr. Anderson were truly "committed" to pay increases for Delta employees, then I say—give it to them now;
why wait until October? I can assure you, however, Delta Air Lines is not looking to be "industry standard,"
and we should not settle for anything other than "industry leading." After all, we are now the largest airline in
the world!
Remember, there is a big difference between the word "commitment" versus "contract."
Sincerely and in solidarity,
Stephen M. Gordon
February 5, 2010GVP Robert Roach Jr. sends letter to Richard Anderson on Delta union employee raises
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT
Yesterday, February 4, 2010 you issued a letter stating that the October 2010 pay raises would only be provided to non-contract employees. One reason you gave for not providing it to contract employees was that you contend you "have continued to honor the packages of pay, benefits and work rules provided for in the contracts still in place in workgroups where representation has not yet been resolved." Yet, the lAM has already advised you that there are no restrictions in the IAM-NWA collective bargaining agreements preventing raises above the minimum amounts listed in the contracts. Indeed, in 1999 when you were CEO of Northwest Airlines, you had no problem raising the wages of lAM-represented Mechanic and Related employees in the middle of a representation dispute. Therefore, you are certainly aware that you can apply these raises to contract employees as well.
To be clear, in the event that there is any lingering misunderstanding, the lAM's consistent position· is that thereJs nothing in our collective bargaining agreements that prohibits management from raising our members' salaries above the minimum rates set forth in those contracts.
If you are serious about bringing standards up for all your employees, these raises should apply to all employees - contract and non-contract alike, notwithstanding your gamesmanship of announcing these increases, which do not take effect until eight months from now, on the first full day of representation voting for Simulator Technicians.
Sincerely,
Robert Roach, Jr.
General Vice President
January 22, 2010The reality of IAM dues
This bulletin is to address some questions raised by pre-merger Delta employees regarding IAM union dues.
Dues rates vary from one IAM local lodge to the next based upon the will of the membership at any particular local. The IAM is an extremely democratic organization. On January 1, 2010, IAM dues were adjusted based on the formula approved by delegates to the IAM's 2008 Grand Lodge Convention and provisions contained within District and Local Lodge Bylaws.
What do union dues pay for? A few examples are a guaranteed pension that requires no employee contributions and has no Social Security offsets; long-term disability benefits; an 8-hour work day, as opposed to an 8.5 hour day; lower medical premiums with greater benefits; and two (2) more weeks of vacation. IAM dues are spent for the benefit of IAM members The benefits of a union contract far outweigh the cost of union dues. To prove this to Delta workers, IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger has waived all union initiation fees for newly-organized Delta employees. Additionally, no pre-merger Delta employee will be asked to pay one cent of monthly union dues until the IAM negotiates a new agreement with Delta Air Lines and employees have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.
Until there is a contract that pre-merger Delta employees help negotiate and ratify, they will
have no IAM dues. If employees do not believe the negotiated contract is better than what they
have today and reject the agreement, negotiations will resume and Delta employees will still not
be required to pay dues until they approve and are protected by an IAM contract.
Questions about union dues are natural, even after becoming a union member. I encourage any
pre-merger Delta or Northwest employee to contact an IAM representative to learn the facts about
union dues from the only organization that has the truthful answers -- the union itself.
Stephen Gordon
President and Directing General Chair
October 15, 2009Attention Delta Air Lines' employees: Read some of the collective bargaining contracts that IAM members have negotiated and ratified
See it in writing. Read some of the contracts that our members work under in the airline industry. These contracts are enforceable by law. Forget about what you have been told. See it with your own eyes.
NOTE: Some of these PDF files are hundreds of pages. File uploads will differ depending on connection speed. You can also view contracts at Alaska Airlines, Air Wisconsin, Great Lakes and Big Sky by using the "airline" tab above. Each airlines' contracts are listed on their corresponding page.
Northwest ESSC - Ramp and Stock Clerks
Northwest COFPS - Customer Service, Clerical and Reservations
United PCE - Customer Service
United Ramp and Stores
United Fleet Technical Instructors
United Food Service
United Maintenance Instructors
Southwest Airlines
Members hammered out these agreements by submitting contract proposals; by negotiating contract language, by renegotiating when necessary and negotiating some more, until finally, they ratified their new agreement with a vote. Why shouldn't you have legal language protecting you and your job?