Approximately 80 employees from UNIFI at Fresno Yosemite International Airport have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport Territory, according to an announcement from the union. The vote took place on December 3, following a campaign focused on issues such as pay, work rules, and benefits.
The workers, who provide ground handling and aviation services, said their decision was driven by stagnant wages, lack of an established pay scale, and the absence of clear work rules or benefits. Before the organizing effort began, UNIFI employees earned $16.50 per hour—the minimum wage in California. According to workers, any previous raises were only tied to increases in the state-mandated minimum wage.
After learning that union authorization cards were circulating among employees, management announced a wage increase to $18 per hour on August 29, with the new rate effective September 1. However, this move did not prevent workers from moving forward with their plan to organize.
Employees also cited concerns about management’s practice of creating work rules “as they go,” which left them without consistent expectations or recourse. The lack of structured policies and benefits further motivated their push for representation.
“Congratulations to District 142, Local 1782 and especially our new members at UNIFI Fresno,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Bringing UNIFI Fresno into our union is another powerful step in strengthening worker power across the industry. We’re proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”
“The vote in Fresno sends a clear message, Air Transport workers want the power and protection that only the IAM can deliver,” said IAM District 142 President and 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.”
The process faced delays due to a federal government shutdown that postponed the representation election from its original October date until December. High employee turnover also posed challenges during the campaign period.
A key factor in maintaining momentum was support from Local 1782 President Frances Finau, who connected organizers with Aakash Narayan—a Southwest Airlines steward at Fresno and member of Local 1782—who served as lead organizer for this effort.
“Being part of this campaign and standing alongside the UNIFI Fresno team has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Narayan. “These workers showed incredible courage and unity from day one. Even with delays and challenges, they never lost sight of what they deserved, a real voice, stability, and respect on the job. I’m proud to have helped them join the IAM family, and this victory belongs entirely to their determination.”
District 142 General Chair Boris Kochanoff is working with his communications team on a comprehensive survey for workplace issues and contract proposals so new members can help set priorities ahead of contract negotiations.
