In a recent video by More Perfect Union, Delta Airlines ramp and cargo workers have come forward to accuse the company of trying to prevent their unionization efforts. Flex McGhee, a ramp agent at Delta, along with his colleagues, shared their experiences and the struggles they face as they strive for better working conditions and representation.
The Hard Reality of Delta’s Ramp and Cargo Workers
Flex McGhee, who has been with Delta Airlines for 24 years, describes his daily routine of handling passenger bags and cargo, performing physically demanding work under harsh conditions. “Anytime you get to see a sunrise, man, regardless of where you are or what you’ve got going, it’s just – for me it always reminds me of a brand new day,” he said, highlighting the grueling yet hopeful nature of his job. Despite Delta’s accolades, McGhee points out that workers do not feel adequately compensated or supported.
The Push for Unionization
McGhee is a leader in the significant effort to unionize Delta’s ramp and cargo workers, who currently lack union representation. Delta remains the only major American airline with mostly nonunion employees. Thousands of workers are on the verge of forming a union, but they accuse Delta of actively trying to thwart their efforts.
Challenging Work Conditions
Pat Gores, another ramp agent at Delta, shared insights into the physically taxing nature of the job. Workers are often found crouched inside tiny bins, moving heavy bags and cargo in extreme weather conditions. “This has been one of the busiest travel seasons in history,” said Dan McCurdy, a ramp agent with 26 years of experience, stressing the need for representation to ensure safety and fair treatment.
Historical Context and the Need for a Union
McGhee reminisced about his time with Northwest Airlines before its merger with Delta in 2008, a period when he was part of a union. “The biggest difference was having the union – like, just being union, having protections,” he said. The merger created disparities, with Northwest’s unionized workers and Delta’s nonunion employees facing different realities. McCurdy highlighted the promises made by Delta during the merger to dissuade workers from voting for a union, which ultimately led to the loss of representation.
Current Working Conditions and Delta’s Resistance
Without a union, Delta employees face declining working conditions, including limited sick leave and time off. Workers get only seven personal days per year, and if they are sick for longer, they must use vacation days or go on short-term disability, losing 40% of their salary. McGhee noted, “Most people nowadays can’t live off of that,” emphasizing the tough choices workers have to make between their health and financial stability.
Delta’s Anti-Union Tactics
Delta’s efforts to dissuade unionization have included distributing fliers suggesting workers could buy video game systems instead of paying union dues. McGhee found this particularly offensive, saying, “You were telling people instead of taking care of your livelihood, to go play video games.” Additionally, Delta managers have been reported removing union fliers and discouraging workers from wearing union pins, even though it is allowed under the company’s advocacy policy.
The Fight for Fair Treatment
Connor Krenik, a ramp agent, observed that many workers are increasingly dissatisfied with their treatment, especially after Delta’s response during the pandemic, which included cutting hours and offering buyouts. Despite a recent 5% pay raise, workers like Gores noted that it barely kept up with inflation and did little to improve their situation.
Growing Momentum for Unionization
The movement to unionize is gaining traction, with ramp and cargo agents feeding off the momentum of their colleagues in other departments, such as flight attendants and tower workers, who are also organizing. Pat Gores emphasized the importance of this collective effort, stating, “Doing it simultaneously with flight attendants and the mechanics, I think is really representative of the kind of growing class consciousness.”
“Delta = Greed”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “These workers deserve LIVABLE WAGES …and people need to appreciate airline staff for everything they do for the passengers.”
Another commenter added: “Working UPS, I hearing the stories from the airport section, I feel that energy of ‘we move 60k lbs of mail a day.’ That stuff takes it out of you even with a machine.”
One person concluded: “And the most heavily unionized airline is Southwest, and yet they have the lowest rates. Delta = Greed.”
Unwavering Commitment
Delta ramp and cargo workers are determined to unionize despite the company’s resistance. Their efforts are driven by the need for better working conditions, fair pay, and the ability to hold the company accountable. As McGhee passionately put it, “You’re not finished with God’s assignment until you complete his assignment,” underscoring the workers’ unwavering commitment to their cause.
Impact of Unionization
What are your thoughts? What impact do you think unionization will have on Delta Airlines and its workers? How do you feel about Delta’s reported tactics to discourage unionization? In what ways could union representation improve the working conditions for Delta’s ramp and cargo workers? What are your thoughts on the current state of workers’ rights in the airline industry?
Watch the entire video on More Perfect Union’s YouTube channel for more information here.
