Delta AFA Flight Attendants Brief Congress on Our Organizing

Six Delta AFA activists & several union leaders from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) attended a roundtable with the Congressional Labor Caucus in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 to discuss our combined organizing efforts to gain union representation for Delta Flight Attendants, Fleet Service (Ramp), & TechOps (Mechanics).

The Congressional Labor Caucus is a group of U.S. Representatives from different states that aim to expand labor union power in our country. They work to protect workers’ rights, to advance the priorities of workers and the labor movement, and to connect legislators directly with workers and unions.

The roundtable was facilitated by Rep. Nikema Williams (GA). Co-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI), Rep. Marc Pocan (WI), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ), & Rep. Steven Horsford (NV) were also in attendance along with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI), Rep. Melanie Standbury (NM) among others.

The representatives were extremely concerned to hear about the intimidation that workers are experiencing at Delta. We spoke to them about Delta’s union busting tactics like our confusing and unfair “Advocacy Policy” and not allowing us to have equal time with new hires and our colleagues to discuss the positives of forming a union. They were eager to brainstorm ways to support Delta employees in our unionizing efforts.

Union busting simply can't fly. We heard from Delta workers with @MachinistsUnion, @Teamsters, and @afa_cwa about their union organizing efforts to give workers a voice on the job. @Labor_Caucus is proud to stand with them as they exercise their right to organize. pic.twitter.com/xK3tu93OrF

— Labor Caucus (@Labor_Caucus) January 18, 2024

“The members of Congress were genuinely shocked to hear about Delta’s union busting tactics,” said NYC based Delta Flight Attendant activist Becky Ley. “I could tell that they had no idea what was going on behind the scenes with employees at Delta and the extremes that Delta management has taken to keep unions out.”

“It felt reassuring, comforting, and powerful knowing that our elected officials listened to us and offered their enthusiasm and support.” said ATL based Delta Flight Attendant activist Donte Harris.

Thankfully the conversation is far from over and a plan of action is being put into play. We will continue to update the Congressional Labor Caucus on our organizing efforts of Delta Flight Attendants.