Crewed Talk: What’s the Deal with IAM Withdrawing Delta’s Latest Union Drive?

“A strange turn” is how The Street described Monday’s announcement that the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union was withdrawing its application for a vote to unionize Delta Air Lines’ flight attendants. “Kind of unprecedented,” is how I overheard someone else describe it. For those on both sides of the fence, it’s definitely a big deal.

Earlier this year, IAM spokesperson James Carlson called this union drive “historic” and “the biggest [union] drive in the history of the industry” since a win here would be the largest organizing win in the transportation sector ever.

So what happened?

First let me say this: For someone in my position, to talk about potential unionizing is akin to talking about religion. Most flight attendants, whether at Delta or at fellow carriers, have firm feelings on the matter. Passions run deep, and it would be inappropriate for me to propose a personal opinion on it here. So I won’t be doing that today (for the record, I have friends on both sides of it). But, being such a big issue for my work group in general, I would like to offer a bit of background and context, in case you’re in the woods on this topic.

The Overview

Delta is the only legacy carrier with non-unionized flight attendants. Delta has fended off three previous attempts to unionize its flight attendants — the last one by just around 300 votes. This time, the pro-union camp seemed to have undeniable momentum. A union vote can be triggered with signed cards, in support, from 50 percent + one of the workforce in question. The IAM submitted that it had achieved 60 percent.

Why Would Other Carriers’ Flight Attendants Care?

On one hand, some feel that a non-union group piggybacks off the work and achievements of unionized neighbors and/or that everyone’s position is strengthened when we’re all “in it together” as union members. Like being arm in arm, even if our unions are different.

On the other hand, some feel that having a non-unionized group can benefit both kinds of work groups, as they play off each other. Just last year, American Airlines’ flight attendants reportedly gained an extra $13 million in their new contract by pointing out Delta’s pay in last minute negotiations. So, whatever way one leans, there are reasons to be interested in each other.

The Withdrawal

The IAM’s statement says that a number of cards contained “insufficient information or questionable signatures,” to the point it “makes [their] showing of interest borderline.” That’s pretty notable since it means that the National Mediation Board (NMB), which certifies applications, found more than 16 percent of the cards to be problematic, or at least found such cards at a rate that indicated a troublesome number were out there. It is not known whether all cards were actually looked at when the decision was made. This can happen for random reasons, such as missing or illegible information on a worker’s submitted card. It can also be the result of workers being pressured to sign a card and then recanting, or even of a worker’s signature being forged.

I tried to find out how often this happens, as a matter of interest. I have been told it is very rare, and possibly even unique. However, confirmation requires a Freedom of Information request, which will take some time. Thus, we don’t have further information on this case, but to those invested the only thing that really matters is whether today finds them popping champagne or crying.

What Happens Now?

There is an imposed wait of one year before another application can be filed by any union. The IAM and its supporters have indicated they will regroup immediately and get going on a fresh drive.

Is eventual unionization inevitable? The repeated efforts might indicate so, though the passion of both parties at Delta is fervent. For now, we’ll have to wait and see.

[Photo: Delta Air Lines]