To all JetBlue GO Crewmembers,
Over the past few months, many JetBlue Ground Operations (GO) Crewmembers have reached out to the IAM UNION and asked if we, the largest air transport union in North America, would support your efforts to form a union. Our answer: ABSOLUTELY YES!
The IAM UNION stands ready to do whatever is needed, so JetBlue GO Crewmembers can finally gain the UNION representation and the collective bargaining rights that GO Crewmembers very much deserve. You deserve a seat at the table, so that your interests can be taken seriously by JetBlue management. With IAM UNION representation, GO Crewmembers will have the right to negotiate a legally binding contract, like JetBlue Pilots and Flight Attendants have. A UNION CONTRACT is legally enforceable, clearly outlines your rights on the job, guarantees annual pay raises, provides quality health and retirement benefits and provides you protections against outsourcing and unjustified termination and discipline. With UNION REPRESENTATION, GO Crewmembers will have the right to negotiate and vote on your CONTRACT. In other words, with a UNION, GO Crewmembers will gain the POWER you deserve and a better standard of living for you and your family.
Don’t take my word for it. When you read IAM UNION CONTRACTS, you will find that IAM UNION members are the highest paid, have the best health and retirement benefits, have iron clad job security, provide a safe working environment and work rules that respect IAM UNION members’ time off and flexibility.
GO Crewmembers have had a lot to deal with the last couple of years: Failed mergers and alliances have distracted management. It is no secret that JetBlue is underperforming the industry. Over the last two-plus years, JetBlue’s stock price has declined by 67%, its profit margin is -10% and JetBlue’s quarterly earnings growth has DECREASED by 82%, year over year. During uncertain times having IAM Union representation and a strong contract will serve JetBlue GO Crewmembers well.
Another benefit of IAM UNION representation is to be part of the entire labor movement. Once you are a member of the IAM UNION, you will automatically be part of the 12 million strong AFL-CIO, the 4.5 million strong International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), as well as have the support of our sister air transport unions in the US, like the Transport Workers Union (TWU), and all the other AFL-CIO-affiliated transport unions. That’s power. That’s influence.
I urge you to get involved, talk with other GO Crewmembers about forming a union and ask questions. I would also urge you to sign an election authorization card (a-card). At least 50% of all JetBlue GO Crewmembers systemwide must request that the federal government conduct a union election. Signing an “a-card” is your right under federal law and JetBlue management is prohibited under federal law from ever-knowing who signed an a-card.
I would like to say that the IAM UNION is extremely honored to stand arm and arm with you in your effort to join the IAM UNION and fight for the strong CONTRACT that you deserve.
Fraternally,
Richie Johnsen
GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT
IAM UNION, AIR TRANSPORT
Read the official letter here.
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