Our Campaign, Coronavirus and the Airline Industry and Why Union Representation Matters More than Ever

As you know, our world has been turned upside down with the novel coronavirus pandemic spreading rapidly in the United States. Particularly, the US airline industry has been decimated as demand for air travel has plummeted. US airlines are considering a complete shutdown of all air travel, which was unthinkable only a few months ago.

The IAM has been leading the charge on Capitol Hill, pressing lawmakers to ensure that airline workers’ jobs are not lost due to the coronavirus. The Machinists Union is requesting that direct federal aid for the airlines be conditioned on the carriers retaining their current payroll and keeping workers employed. Airlines and airline workers did not create this crisis and all stakeholders need to come together and pass commonsense legislation that protects airline workers and American workers more broadly. Contact your elected officials and request they act now.

On a brighter note, our campaign for IAM representation is strong and we are moving closer to calling for an election. If you have not signed an a-card, please do so today. You can request a card be mailed to you by clicking here. 

An example of how union representation is needed for Republic mechanics was never more evident than Republic management’s complete disregard of mechanics in a recent memo to employees regarding COVID-19. The memo starts off explaining how the company met with unions regarding the current recommendations of the CDC, the operational steps Republic has instituted, and additional steps the company can take to protect the health and safety of all Republic employees. Not one mechanic was at this meeting and mechanics were not even discussed. 

We are essential workers, who are solely responsible for airworthiness of Republic’s aircraft, and have to come to work as directed every day. Every time we walk out of our house we are at risk. To be disregarded in this way is a slap in the face and is the very reason why we need representation and gain respect.

Please click here to contact an IAM representative.

Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more information.