Democratic Senators Urge Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Drive

Delta responded by stating it welcomes discussions with the senators and "fully supports our employees' right to decide whether union representation is right for them and maintains a strict non-interference policy." The airline added that it "respects every employee's choice and does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any employee, regardless of their views on union representation."

This follows a similar appeal in June, when over 170 House lawmakers also wrote to Bastian, urging him to remain neutral in organizing efforts by flight attendants, fleet service workers, and technicians. The senators encouraged Delta to "respect the rights of these workers by pledging to follow the law and not interfere in any union organizing activities or engage in intimidation, retaliation, or other forms of illegal interference through the adoption of a neutrality agreement."

Lawmakers noted that Delta employees initiated a coordinated campaign to organize a union starting in November 2022. Warren and Markey cited reports that Delta has stated joining a union would jeopardize employees’ benefits and that the company published an official anti-union website. They also referenced emails reportedly sent to staff by Delta last year, warning that signing union authorization cards would cause "inner turmoil" at the company, and reminded that workers have the right to organize without intimidation or interference under the law. Airline unions can file for a representation election with the National Mediation Board once a majority of workers have done so. Delta's pilots are already represented by the Air Line Pilots Association.