Delta Airlines staff told 'don't unionise, buy video games'

[steven36]

Delta to workers: Spend money on video games, not dues; union supporters outraged

 

 

The airline just launched a program that will allow frequent flyers to hold on to their status after a major life event that prevents them from flying as frequently. Susana Victoria Perez has more. Buzz60

Delta Air Lines is under fire for an anti-union flyer urging workers to spend their money on a video game system instead of union dues.

The Atlanta-based carrier, which is the least unionized major U.S. carrier, distributed a flyer in airport break rooms used by baggage handlers and other ground workers, according to the International Association of Machinists.

"Union dues cost around $700 a year,'' it says. "A new video game system with the latest hits sounds like fun. Put your money towards that instead of paying dues to the union.''

"Insulting. Without an IAM contract, many @Delta workers have to work 2-3 jobs just to survive. They have no time to play games. #DoBetterDeltapic.twitter.com/UVM0PR2fKC

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 9, 2019"

James Carlson assistant airline coordinator in the IAM's transportation department,  called it a "juvenile, insulting'' message.

 "The union-busting techniques have hit an all-time low,'' he said. "We are considering all options to combat that.''

The IAM lost a vote to represent the ramp workers in 2010, after the Delta-Northwest merger, and has been trying to collect enough cards for another vote since. The union is also trying to organize Delta's flight attendants.

Delta is fighting both efforts and has a website dedicated to the effort, with the URL "Don't Risk It, Don't Sign It.'' The union has a website, too.

In a statement, Delta confirmed the flyer is authentic and was distributed to employees.

"They want and deserve the facts and we respect our employees’ right to decide if a union is right for them,'' the airline said. "Delta has shared many communications, which on the whole make clear that deciding whether or not to unionize should not be taken lightly.''

Delta also reiterated its stance that the "direct relationship'' the airline has with its employees is at the core of its culture and that its workers have the "best total compensation'' in the industry. The airline' pilots are the only major work group that is unionized.

As photos of the video game flyer were shared by union officials and others on social media Thursday, Delta was sharply criticized by union supporters, politicians and travelers who support unions.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, had this message for Delta late Thursday on Twitter: "Stop trying to undercut workers' right to form a union and negotiate for better wages."

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said on Twitter, "Shame on Delta for this condescending (expletive).'' 

Travelers weighed in, too, with some saying they will no longer fly the airline.

A traveler with the Twitter handle @fuzzychef said Thursday: "Speaking as customer and frequent flyer, I am not happy with your anti-union campaign. I will fly other airlines until you cut it out.''

"@Delta: speaking as customer and frequent flyer, I am not happy with your anti-union campaign. I will fly other airlines until you cut it out.

— Kubernandino (@fuzzychef) May 9, 2019"

An actor, Sierra Rein, had a similar sentiment.

"Yikes. I usually use @delta as my go-to #airline for long distance travel, but news of their anti-#Union/busting is making me question my loyalty to them. Proud @ActorsEquity & @sagaftra#member. Unless this is fake, stop it, #DeltaAirlines! @SAGAFTRANY#aea#sagaftra#actor

— Sierra Rein (@SierraRein) May 9, 2019"

Carlson said this week Delta officials called a hotel in Amsterdam where a European affiliate of the IAM was meeting with some Delta flight attendants in their continuing efforts to unionize. Delta officials called the hotel to try to break up the meeting, Carlson said IAM officials were told by officials with the affiliate union.

"This is the first time the public has gotten to see behind the dirty curtain,'' Carlson said.

Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the airline was not involved. He said the hotel has a non-solicitation policy and enforced it.

The union said in a statement on the video game flyer that Delta's "all-out assault'' on employees' right to unionize is a sign the union's efforts are having an impact.

The Delta-IAM tussle is the second battle at a major airline to spill into the public this year. In February, Southwest Airlines blamed its mechanics for writing up planes for minor issues, causing a major spike in last-minute flight cancellations and delays for weeks. The two sides had been in prolonged negotiations for a new contract. A new agreement was reached and voting is underway.

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