The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) announced plans to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a union representation election among JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Union, the largest air transport union in North America, stands shoulder to shoulder with these brave workers and will mobilize our Union’s significant resources to ensure that these resilient JetBlue workers get the right vote.”
JetBlue Ground Operations employees previously voted against unionizing after a campaign by management from December 2022 to February 2023. During this period, company leaders made several commitments that remain unmet, despite a large portion of employees expressing interest in holding a union election.
“Now is the time for JetBlue workers to join the IAM Union family and gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job,” stated IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Conditions for JetBlue G.O. Crewmembers need to be improved. Safety on the job, pay, benefits, job security, favoritism, and general work rules can all be improved when Crewmembers unionize and demand change with the backing of over 600,000 IAM Union members.”
Johnsen added: “I also fully expect that JetBlue management will adhere to the law and allow JetBlue workers to vote without influence, coercion, and interference from JetBlue management. If not, we will leave no stone unturned to hold them accountable.”
Workers at JetBlue have pointed out issues such as lower-than-average industry wages and benefits, unsafe working conditions, as well as concerns about disciplinary practices as motivations for seeking representation.
“JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “The IAM will support JetBlue workers in getting to and winning this election and negotiating a union contract that reflects their true value to JetBlue Airways.”
The IAM represents employees at all major U.S. airlines. With approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various sectors—including aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare facilities, automotive industries—the organization is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions.
