The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) announced on November 25, 2025, that it will file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to hold a union representation election for about 3,000 JetBlue Fleet Service workers. The NMB is the federal agency responsible for conducting union elections in the airline and railroad industries.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President, stated: “I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted. The IAM Union, the largest air transport union in North America, stands shoulder to shoulder with these brave workers and will mobilize our Union’s significant resources to ensure that these resilient JetBlue workers get the right vote.”
This move follows a previous period from December 2022 to February 2023 when JetBlue management ran an anti-union campaign. During that time, management made promises which have not been fulfilled. Despite strong interest among workers for a union election at that time, they voted against unionizing.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport General Vice President, commented: “Now is the time for JetBlue workers to join the IAM Union family and gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job. Conditions for JetBlue G.O. Crewmembers need to be improved. Safety on the job, pay, benefits, job security, favoritism, and general work rules can all be improved when Crewmembers unionize and demand change with the backing of over 600,000 IAM Union members.”
Johnsen also said: “I also fully expect that JetBlue management will adhere to the law and allow JetBlue workers to vote without influence, coercion, and interference from JetBlue management. If not, we will leave no stone unturned to hold them accountable.”
JetBlue ground workers have pointed out issues such as low industry pay rates and benefits compared to peers at other airlines. They have also raised concerns about unsafe working conditions as well as discipline practices they view as unfair.
IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm added: “JetBlue workers are a smart, strong, and determined group of workers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the IAM Union family. The IAM will support JetBlue workers in getting to and winning this election and negotiating a union contract that reflects their true value to JetBlue Airways.”
The IAM represents airline employees at every major U.S. carrier. Overall membership includes approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various sectors including aerospace manufacturing; defense; shipbuilding; railroads; transit; healthcare; automotive; as well as other industries throughout both United States and Canada.
