Union elections at Delta Air Lines will start this week. It could well turn into a showdown that could last into the new year that will see a decision as to if the bulk of the workforce will be represented by unions or not. Around 20,000 flight attendants will start voting on September 29, while 14,000 ramp and cargo employees are to vote for or against representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, beginning October 14.
The machinists union is also seeking elections for 16,000 reservation and gate agents at the airline. These elections will be governed by a change in federal labour law that could make it easier for unions to win. If Delta loses the vote then they could also lose control of costs just as air traffic recovers and profitability returns. Other US airlines will be watching closely.