In a letter to Delta Air Lines (Delta) leadership, Senator Reverend Warnock urged the company to not hinder any free and fair election among non-unionized workers seeking to band together to improve conditions on the job

Senator Reverend Warnock reiterated the importance of respecting the law to protect workers and ensure they can make their own choices free of undue coercion

Senator Reverend Warnock reiterated his shared goal with Delta of ensuring a workforce that is safe, healthy, and able to earn a living wage

A longtime champion for protecting the dignity of work, earlier this year Senator Warnock joined members and leaders of the North Georgia Labor Council for their annual MLK Jr. Breakfast in Atlanta

ICYMI from the Atlanta Voice: Annual IBEW breakfast honors MLK and promotes strength of organized Labor

Senators Warnock to Delta: “It has been a priority of mine, both before coming to the Senate and since my election, to do all I can to promote free and fair elections. That applies whether an election is for state, local, or federal office, or on the topic of whether workers will vote to support or oppose joining a labor union” 

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) urged Delta Air Lines (Delta) leadership to respect the organizing efforts and ultimate decision of non-unionized employees, and to respect the letter of the law and not hinder a free and fair election as non-union workers at the company contemplate joining a labor union. In his new letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Senator Warnock applauded the jobs and investments Delta brings to Georgia’s economy and asserted his strong support for democracy in the workplace and the rights of employees to make their voices heard—free from undue coercion and regardless of the outcome of the workers’ organizing campaign. 

“It is my understanding that a number of non-union workers at Delta are taking steps to organize and join a union. These moments represent democracy in the workplace. When these organizing efforts and elections occur, there are often unfortunate reports of threats or other undue pressure being placed on workers who will be voting. It has been a priority of mine, both before coming to the Senate and since my election, to do all I can to promote free and fair elections. That applies whether an election is for state, local, or federal office, or on the topic of whether workers will vote to support or oppose joining a labor union,” wrote Senator Warnock.

“As an advocate for healthy labor relations and the dignity of work, I encourage Delta to remain a good faith partner as these discussions continue and to respect the decision of its workers, regardless of the outcome, just as I ask of those leading organizing efforts. It is important that both the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws intended to protect workers are followed, and that the workers can make their own choices free of undue coercion,” the Senator continued. 

The letter to Delta can be found HERE and text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. Bastian,

I write regarding ongoing efforts to organize Delta Air Lines’ non-unionized employees in Georgia. I am proud that Delta Air Lines (“Delta”) and its employees call Georgia home, and it is an honor to represent you and your Georgia-based employees in the United States Senate.

It is my understanding that a number of non-union workers at Delta are taking steps to organize and join a union. These moments represent democracy in the workplace. When these organizing efforts and elections occur, there are often unfortunate reports of threats or other undue pressure being placed on workers who will be voting. It has been a priority of mine, both before coming to the Senate and since my election, to do all I can to promote free and fair elections. That applies whether an election is for state, local, or federal office, or on the topic of whether workers will vote to support or oppose joining a labor union.

As an advocate for healthy labor relations and the dignity of work, I encourage Delta to remain a good faith partner as these discussions continue and to respect the decision of its workers, regardless of the outcome, just as I ask of those leading organizing efforts. It is important that both the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws intended to protect workers are followed, and that the workers can make their own choices free of undue coercion.

I believe that you and I share a common goal of ensuring a workforce that is safe, healthy, earning a livable wage, and happy in their chosen careers—all while providing world-class commercial air travel service to your customers. Workers deserve to share in the prosperity they help create, and Delta management can further empower its workers by doing all it can to make sure this effort is fairly conducted so that whatever the outcome is, your workers can go about their work confident that their voices were heard.

I am grateful for all of the jobs, investments, and intangible contributions that Delta Air Lines brings to the Georgia community, and for its benefit to our state’s economy. I look forward to continuing to work with you to support Delta’s mission and goals to “connect the world.” Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office if you would like to discuss this matter further.

Sincerely,

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