IAM Moves Closer to
First Delta Election

 January 5, 2010 - On December 22, 2009 the National Mediation Board (NMB) granted the IAM's request to declare that Delta and Northwest Airlines were operating as a single carrier for representation purposes for the combined airlines' flight simulator technicians (Sim Techs). Additionally, the NMB agreed with the IAM's arguments that the Sim Techs were their own separate and distinct class or craft and, therefore, eligible for their own representation election independent of other classifications.

The IAM's application was filed on August 13, 2009, but the process was delayed because Delta had argued that flight simulator technicians should be included in the currently un-represented mechanic and related classification. The NMB rejected Delta's claims and found that both Northwest and Delta have historically treated their Sim Techs as a separate craft or class apart from their mechanic and related employees.

If Delta had been successful in mixing the Sim Techs with mechanics, Northwest Sim Techs would have lost their union representation without a vote and Delta Sim Techs would have lost an opportunity to make up their own minds about union representation.

"Delta tried to prevent Sim Techs from voting on whether or not they want to be represented by the Machinists Union," said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "Nobody knows what is best for Delta employees other than the employees themselves. Delta tried to silence the Sim Techs, but the IAM fought so they could have the opportunity to make a choice."

Under NMB rules, the IAM had until January 5, 2010 to supplement its August 2009 application to prove sufficient interest for a Sim Tech representation election. Accordingly, the IAM today presented the NMB with signed election authorization cards from Delta Sim Techs.

Also today the NMB ordered Delta to submit the list of potential eligible voters. That list is due by January 19, 2010. The NMB will now investigate, finalize a list of eligible voters and set an election date. Eligible voters will receive voting instructions directly from the NMB mailed to the last address they had on file with their company. Voting will be conducted by telephone and through the Internet.

An application requesting a single carrier ruling for the combined airlines' security guards was also filed on August 13, 2009, but the NMB has not yet made a determination in that case. Delta is again trying to eliminate IAM representation for Northwest guards without a vote of affected employees. The IAM is opposing Delta's attempt to suppress their employees' voices.

The IAM will file single carrier applications for fleet service, customer service and stock clerks when Delta and Northwest are operating as a single carrier for each of those classifications' representation purposes. Each classification must have a separate single carrier ruling before an election can take place for that classification.

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