Two Democratic senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, urged Delta CEO Ed Bastian to remain neutral as flight attendants pursue union representation, warning that management actions could threaten pay and benefits. Delta says it honors a strict non-interference policy and welcomes talks with lawmakers. More than 170 House members issued a similar appeal in June, and a coordinated organizing campaign began in November 2022. Under U.S. rules, airline unions can seek a representation election through the National Mediation Board once a majority indicates support.
Senators Urge Delta To Stay Neutral As Flight Attendants Ramp Up Union Drive
FILE PHOTO: A Delta Airlines plane sits at El Paso International Airport in El Paso, Texas, U.S., February 11, 2026. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (Reuters) - Two Democratic senators on Wednesday urged Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian to maintain a neutral stance as some of the carrier's flight attendants press efforts to form a union.
In a letter reviewed by Reuters, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said flight attendants at the Atlanta-based airline have pursued organizing for years and warned that management's current posture could "threaten flight attendants' future pay and benefits if they choose to organize." The senators called such tactics inappropriate and urged Delta to avoid any interference.
Delta responded that it welcomes discussions with the senators and reiterated the company's stated commitment to non-interference. "Delta fully supports our employees' right to decide whether union representation is right for them and maintains a strict non-interference policy," the airline said, adding it "respects every employee's choice and does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any employee, regardless of their views on union representation."
"We strongly encourage 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," the senators cited from a House letter signed by more than 170 members last June.
Lawmakers noted that Delta employees launched a coordinated organizing campaign in November 2022 and that flight attendants have staged coordinated union efforts dating back to the 1990s. The senators pointed to reports that Delta has warned employees that joining a union could jeopardize benefits and highlighted the existence of an official Delta anti-union website. They also cited emails reportedly sent last year warning that signing union authorization cards could cause "inner turmoil" at the carrier.
How Union Representation Would Proceed
Under U.S. labor rules for airlines, unions may petition the National Mediation Board for a representation election once a majority of eligible workers indicate they want representation. Delta's pilots are already represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Aurora Ellis)
Help us improve.
