Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Your vote sent Unifi a clear message: Fresno workers want a strong collective voice, fair raises, consistent work rules, better benefits, and respect on the job.
Unifi has posted a misleading “Railway Labor Act Notice” that claims all disputes between Unifi and its employees will be handled under the Railway Labor Act. Do not be misled.
A company cannot erase your vote, take away your rights, or silence your collective voice simply by putting a piece of paper on a bulletin board.
THE FACTS ARE CLEAR
The National Labor Relations Board asserted jurisdiction over Unifi’s Fresno employees, conducted your election, and certified IAM District 142 as your exclusive collective-bargaining representative. Unifi challenged that decision – and lost.
On February 27, 2026, the National Labor Relations Board denied Unifi’s appeal. The Board stated that Unifi is not an air carrier and that, under the National Mediation Board’s Swissport decision, the NMB would have declined to exercise Railway Labor Act jurisdiction over Unifi.
Separate Unifi matters remain pending before the NMB, but the NMB has not issued any decision finding Fresno employees subject to the Railway Labor Act. Those pending matters do not cancel your election, suspend IAM’s certification, or give Unifi the authority to decide the jurisdictional question for itself.
OUR MESSAGE TO UNIFI IS SIMPLE
- Take down the misleading notice.
- Correct the information given to employees.
- Recognize the choice Fresno workers made.
- Come to the bargaining table and negotiate a strong first contract.
IAM has formally demanded that Unifi remove and withdraw the notice. We are prepared to take all necessary legal and collective action to protect your rights, defend your vote, and hold Unifi accountable.
YOUR RIGHTS REMAIN IN PLACE
- You have the right to support IAM.
- You have the right to stand together with your coworkers.
- You have the right to discuss wages, benefits, schedules, safety, and working conditions.
- You have the right to participate in union activities and bring workplace concerns to your IAM representatives without retaliation.
If management tells you that this posting has changed your rights, asks you to sign anything based on it, or makes additional statements about RLA coverage, contact your IAM representative immediately.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Boris Kochanoff
General Chair
DOWNLOAD/PRINT A PDF VERSION OF THIS BULLETIN
POST ON ALL IAM BULLETIN BOARDS