In a considered move towards safeguarding workers’ rights, 145 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have penned a letter to Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, urging the airline to commit to a neutrality agreement.
This agreement would ensure that Delta refrains from interfering with organizing drives within the carrier.
The commendation from the Teamsters, a prominent labor union, highlights the importance of protecting workers’ rights amidst corporate resistance.
Delta Air Lines Alleged Union-Busting Tactics
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien has openly criticized Delta’s conduct, stating, “Delta wants lawmakers to believe it’s a well-behaved employer, but nothing could be further from the truth.”
Allegations include retaliation, coercion, threats, and dissemination of misinformation in response to union campaigns.
Despite Delta’s resistance, workers remain resolute in their pursuit of union protections, improved benefits, and better wages.
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Organizing Efforts Across Different Sectors
The Teamsters, alongside the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), are actively mobilizing workers at Delta Air Lines.
The coalition’s efforts extend to various sectors within the company, including technicians, flight attendants, ramp workers, cargo personnel, and tower employees.
This collective endeavor reflects the widespread demand for fair labor practices and collective bargaining rights.
House Representatives Call for Neutrality
The letter from House representatives highlights Delta’s alleged history of employing union-busting tactics.
These actions, deemed hostile to workers’ rights, have prompted lawmakers to advocate for a neutrality agreement.
“We understand that Delta employees announced a coordinated campaign to organize a union in November 2022, including Delta flight attendants, fleet service workers, and technicians,” the letter from House representatives said.
“Unfortunately, our constituents have informed us about Delta’s history of deploying union-busting tactics, including threatening employees with termination of their benefits, distributing anti-union literature and hosting an anti-union website.”
“These retaliatory actions are hostile to workers’ rights, and we urge you to commit to implementing a neutrality agreement with regard to these union organizing efforts.”
The agreement would neutralize Delta’s influence and allow for a fair and democratic unionization process.
Engagement with Legislative Bodies
Delta Air Lines workers, accompanied by representatives from the Teamsters, AFA, and IAM, recently engaged with the House Labor Caucus to address concerns within the company.
This dialogue marks a collaborative effort between labor unions and legislative bodies to address issues of corporate misconduct and worker exploitation.
Additionally, shareholders’ rejection of a freedom of association proposal underscores the urgency for Delta to align with industry standards regarding workers’ rights to union representation.
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