The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Rail Division and the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU/IAM) have announced that 90 Alstom employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have voted to join their unions. The announcement follows an election held on August 20, 2025.
These Alstom workers are responsible for operating and maintaining the Plane Train, an automated people mover system that transports about 250,000 passengers daily between terminals at what is recognized as the world’s busiest airport. The workers cited job security, fair wages, improved working conditions, and a stronger voice in their workplace as primary reasons for seeking union representation.
Organizers from IAM and TCU/IAM worked with employees to build support for unionization and explain its benefits. This development reflects a broader trend of transportation workers across the country organizing for better conditions.
TCU/IAM will now begin preparations to negotiate a first contract addressing the priorities of these new members.
“This victory marks a historic moment as the first joint organizing effort between TCU and the IAM, and we could not be prouder of the outcome,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The Alstom workers, who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, perform vital work keeping hundreds of thousands of passengers moving safely every day through the world’s busiest airport. We proudly welcome these workers into our union family and look forward to negotiating a strong first agreement that secures the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”
Earlier this year, Alstom delivered the first batch of Innovia APM R vehicles to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport under an $87 million project aimed at replacing older units. This project is intended to improve reliability for travelers as passenger numbers continue to grow; in 2024 alone, over 108 million passengers used the airport.
“This organizing win is significant because the IAM Union was founded in Atlanta in 1888,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “More than 135 years later, workers in this city continue to carry forward the proud legacy of standing together for dignity, respect, and a better future. The Alstom Plane Train workers are now part of a union family with a history of fighting and winning for working people.”
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both TCU/IAM and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors among others.