ExpressJet is merging with SkyWest Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Nearly 600 Atlantic Southeast Airlines mechanics and related workers voted to join the Teamsters last year.
The workers sought union representation for job protection, respect at work and to end favoritism in the workplace.
Gordon Black, an ExpressJet materials specialist, said the Teamsters will allow their collective voice to be strong. “We will be heard and we will have the opportunity to make ExpressJet a better company.”
He's right. Union workers can contribute to a company's productivity, as Southwest Airlines has found. According to the Economic Policy Institute, there's a strong relationship between productivity and unionization.
