The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Rail Division and the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU/IAM) have announced a successful organizing effort among 90 Alstom employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These workers operate and maintain the Plane Train, an automated people mover system that transports about 250,000 passengers daily between terminals at the airport.
The decision to unionize was driven by concerns over job security, fair wages, improved working conditions, and the desire for a stronger voice in the workplace. IAM and TCU/IAM organizers collaborated with employees to explain the benefits of union representation, reflecting broader national trends of transportation workers seeking improved conditions through unionization.
Following the election results announced on August 20, TCU/IAM will begin preparations for collective bargaining to secure a first contract that addresses members’ needs.
“This victory marks a historic moment as the first joint organizing effort between TCU and the IAM, and we could not be prouder of the outcome,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The Alstom workers, who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, perform vital work keeping hundreds of thousands of passengers moving safely every day through the world’s busiest airport. We proudly welcome these workers into our union family and look forward to negotiating a strong first agreement that secures the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”
Earlier this year, Alstom delivered new Innovia APM R vehicles to Hartsfield-Jackson as part of an $87 million project. This upgrade is expected to improve reliability and support expansion efforts as passenger numbers continue to grow; in 2024 alone, more than 108 million travelers passed through the airport.
“This organizing win is significant because the IAM Union was founded in Atlanta in 1888,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “More than 135 years later, workers in this city continue to carry forward the proud legacy of standing together for dignity, respect, and a better future. The Alstom Plane Train workers are now part of a union family with a history of fighting and winning for working people.”
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both TCU/IAM and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
