FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2022 –More than 200 mechanics and related who work in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, at Lufthansa Technik, Puerto Rico, LLC. were granted the right to participate in an election to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest airline and transportation union in North America.
The National Mediation Board (NMB) ruling determined that the IAM had sufficient showing of interest to proceed to a mail-ballot election. The decision comes months after aggressive tactics and appeals to stop Lufthansa Technik workers’ right to join the IAM. Last year, Lufthansa mechanics and related sought IAM representation due to various workplace issues, including reduced work hours, irregular work rules, and inadequate wages and benefits.
The NMB will mail out the Notice and Sample Ballots in English and Spanish on March 3, 2022. The Ballots will be mailed to the employees on March 10, 2022. The election voting period will be from 12:01 a.m. ET, March 10, 2022, through May 5, 2022. The final tally will be at the Board’s offices on May 5, 2022, at 2 p.m. ET.
“The highly skilled aircraft mechanics and related at Lufthansa Technik have faced a lot of challenges during the past two years, including terminations and reduced working hours by Lufthansa at the height of the pandemic,” said Juan Negron, Special Assistant to the International President of the IAM. “The workers in Aguadilla help maintain some of the biggest airline carriers globally, and it makes sense to become part of the largest airline union in North America. We will utilize the IAM’s full resources to ensure the workers at Lufthansa get what they deserve with a voice in the workplace and respect and dignity on the shop floor.”
Lufthansa Technik mechanics and related provided service for United Airlines, Allegiant, Spirit, Avianca, and until recently, JetBlue.
The IAM recently wrote a letter to the U.S. Transportation Department Inspector General calling for an investigation into possible misuse of CARES Act funds by Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC. The IAM wrote the letter on behalf of more than 200 mechanics and related who work in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
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