Below-Wing ACS And Cargo Employees Say "No" To IAM

Delta Air Lines has received notification from the National Mediation Board (NMB) that a majority – more than 53 percent - of below-wing Airport Customer Service (ACS) and Cargo warehouse employees voting in the Fleet Service election rejected representation by the International Association of Machinists (IAM).

There were 10,593 votes cast – 5569 "no" votes, 4909 votes for IAM and 115 write-in and silent votes. There were 13,104 eligible voters, out of which 37.5 percent voted for the IAM. 

"Once again Delta people have clearly stated their preference for working directly with their leaders to make Delta a great place to work for all employees and the global airline of choice for our customers," said Mike Campbell, executive vice president – HR and Labor Relations. "In multiple elections across many workgroups, tens of thousands of Delta employees continue to reaffirm the importance of maintaining the generations-old set of values set forth by our founder C.E. Woolman."

In addition to the 13,104 below-wing Airport Customer Service and Cargo warehouse employees who rejected IAM representation in the Fleet Service election, Delta's flight attendants rejected AFA representation earlier this month, Delta's simulator technicians twice rejected IAM representation in 2010, and Delta's meteorologists rejected union representation in March 2009.  Delta's aircraft maintenance technicians and technical writers/planners also resolved representation in early 2009, with the Northwest unions voluntarily relinquishing their pre-merger certifications.  These groups total more than 40,000 employees.

"I know you have questions about what happens next. We are ready to begin the process of aligning pay, benefits and work rules, and producing a single seniority list as quickly as possible," said Gil West, senior vice president – Airport Customer Service, in a memo to employees. "The actual date when we can begin this transition will largely depend on whether the IAM respects your decision or chooses to file interference claims. We believe the IAM has no basis for filing interference, but if they do, we will not be in a position to align pay, benefits and work rules until the final resolution of representation is achieved. I know you're ready to move forward and we are urging the IAM to respect your choice."

Delta employees continue voting in two remaining representation elections as a result of Delta's merger with former Northwest. Results for stock clerks and supply attendant employees in Delta's Stores organization will be announced on Nov. 22. Results for Reservation Sales and customer-facing airport and cargo agents in the Passenger Service craft or class will be announced on Dec. 7.

FMI: www.delta.com