Another Delta Unionization Effort Fails

Baggage handlers and other fleet service workers at Delta Air Lines have voted against union representation by a 53% to 47% margin, marking the second big loss this month for organizing efforts at the second largest carrier in the U.S. Attendants voted against union representation earlier this month (DAILY, Nov. 4). The National Mediation Board count shows that out of 10,593 votes cast by the 13,140 eligible voters in the fleet service classification, 5,569 workers voted against union representation. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers says it is “investigating allegations of widespread illegal election interference." But the IAM does not say it definitely will file a complaint, as the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA is planning to do by Nov. 22. Delta, of course, rejects such charges. And in both cases it has noted to workers that, if complaints are filed, the carrier will have to wait longer to align the pay, benefits and work rules for all employees in the group.