Northwest and Delta Airlines have merged to create the world’s largest air carrier. Workers at Delta prior to the merger were not represented by a union, while workers at Northwest were.
Recently, the IAM asked the National Mediation Board to declare that the two airlines are operating as a single carrier with respect to 12,700 fleet service (including equipment service employee), flight simulator technician and plant protection employee classifications.
The National Mediation Board administers collective bargaining under the federal Railway Labor Act, which governs transportation industries. The board must rule that Northwest and Delta are now operating as a single carrier before a union election can be held.
"Any benefits from the merger between Delta and Northwest must be shared with employees," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "The airlines\' bankruptcies were extremely difficult for employees and their families. The Machinists union can help these workers regain what was taken in bankruptcy and protect them as Delta navigates through a turbulent industry."
The IAM also represents Northwest\'s passenger service, stock clerks and office & clerical employees.
"As soon as we determine that the two airlines are operating as a single carrier under NMB guidelines for other classifications, the IAM will move to resolve their representation issues as well," said Roach. "It has been a long road, but I look forward to welcoming Delta employees into the Machinists union family."
The Machinists union is the largest airline union in North America, representing more than 110,000 airline workers.
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Northwest and Delta Airlines have merged to create the world’s largest air carrier. Workers at Delta prior to the merger were not represented by a union, while workers at Northwest were.
Recently, the IAM asked the National Mediation Board to declare that the two airlines are operating as a single carrier with respect to 12,700 fleet service (including equipment service employee), flight simulator technician and plant protection employee classifications.
The National Mediation Board administers collective bargaining under the federal Railway Labor Act, which governs transportation industries. The board must rule that Northwest and Delta are now operating as a single carrier before a union election can be held.
"Any benefits from the merger between Delta and Northwest must be shared with employees," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "The airlines\’ bankruptcies were extremely difficult for employees and their families. The Machinists union can help these workers regain what was taken in bankruptcy and protect them as Delta navigates through a turbulent industry."
The IAM also represents Northwest\’s passenger service, stock clerks and office & clerical employees.
"As soon as we determine that the two airlines are operating as a single carrier under NMB guidelines for other classifications, the IAM will move to resolve their representation issues as well," said Roach. "It has been a long road, but I look forward to welcoming Delta employees into the Machinists union family."
The Machinists union is the largest airline union in North America, representing more than 110,000 airline workers.