Union Wants Delta And Northwest To Be Treated As A Single Airline

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Thursday took the necessary steps to resolve representational issues for 12,700 fleet service, flight simulator technician and plant protection employees at the combined Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. The IAM asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to declare that the two airlines are operating as a single carrier with respect to those classifications.

 "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, including 12,000 Northwest Airlines fleet service, customer service, office & clerical, flight simulator technicians, stock clerks and plant protection employees.

FMI: www.goiam.org/transportation, www.iam143.org