National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Atlanta as part of the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” bus tour, meeting with union leaders and Delta Air Lines employees to support their campaign to unionize. The bus tour aims to highlight workers organizing for improved jobs, contracts, and workplace respect.
During her visit, Shuler met with representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and Delta workers seeking union representation. Delta remains the only major U.S. airline where flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics are not represented by a union. Currently, only 20 percent of Delta employees are unionized. Despite this, Delta reported higher profits than other U.S. airlines before the pandemic and is expected to reach record profitability again.
Recently, IAM responded after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Delta Air Lines to pay $8.1 million to settle alleged False Claims Act violations related to the Payroll Support Program. This settlement follows allegations that Delta accepted billions in taxpayer relief intended to protect workers’ jobs, pay, and benefits but did not meet those requirements.
“I want to thank President Shuler for encouraging the Delta workers to keep up the fight for fairness and a seat at the table,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Delta workers are tired of being left behind while the airline earns billions.”
IAM Union Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen stated: “Delta workers are leading one of the biggest labor campaigns in the country. They are not just organizing for themselves. They are raising the bar for every worker in our nation. We are proud to continue this fight for the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Earlier in Atlanta, labor leaders and union members gathered at Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 613’s Union Hall for a Workers Over Billionaires rally as part of the AFL-CIO’s national bus tour.
For more details on President Shuler’s visit: https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1948155852457746661
For further statements from IAM: https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1948119343910592845
