Dear Sisters and Brothers:
We are pleased to announce that approximately 80 UNIFI employees who provide ground-handling and aviation services at Fresno Yosemite International Airport have overwhelmingly voted to join the IAM and District 142.
These workers cited long-standing concerns, including wages stuck at the minimum level, the absence of a formal pay scale, no stable work rules, and a lack of benefits or union representation.
Membership in our union will give them a collective voice and the ability to negotiate for fair pay, consistent work-rules, benefits, and the respect they deserve.
“The vote in Fresno sends a clear message: Air Transport workers want the power and protection that only the IAM can deliver,” said District 142 President/Directing General Chair John M. Coveny, Jr. “We’re honored to represent these new members and are ready to get to work on their first contract.”
“In a world that can sometimes feel unpredictable, more and more working people are realizing the stability and empowerment that the IAM and a strong union contract can bring,” said District 142 Director of Organizing Jackson Hartsfield. “We’re incredibly proud of our new Unifi Brothers and Sisters in Fresno for taking that important first step toward organizing their workplace, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact their new contract will have on their future.”
District 142 General Chair Boris Kochanoff has been assigned to work with our newest members at UNIFI, and these members will soon receive a survey to help identify priorities for their first contract negotiations.
We would like to especially thank Local 1782 President Frances Finau and Local organizer Aakash Narayan for their dedication and hard work throughout this campaign. We also recognize and thank every UNIFI Fresno employee whose courage and unity made this possible.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Jackson Hartsfield
Director of Organizing