Fuelers at Orlando International Airport employed by PrimeFlight Aviation Services voted unanimously Monday to join the Transport Workers of America – expanding the TWU’s reach at the seventh largest airport in the country.
“We are ready to negotiate a first contract that will address significant issues with wages, benefits, and working conditions for PrimeFlight Fuelers,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “PrimeFlight is a company worth billions of dollars yet basic needs for workers go unmet. These workers deserve better, and today’s vote shows they want the TWU to fight for them at the bargaining table.”
The election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board after the National Mediation Board ruled in November that the Railway Labor Act does not apply to third-party ground service providers at airports like PrimeFlight.
Workers moved to join the TWU to improve their low pay and high job turnover. Workers cited subpar working conditions such as a lack of close access to drinking water, no breakroom for lunch breaks, and no outer garment protection during inclement weather as reasons to organize their workplace. Fuelers operate fuel trucks, connect hoses, oversee refueling operations, and are critical components in keeping flights running safely and on time. PrimeFlight serves many of the largest airlines at MCO, including Southwest, Delta, American, and United.
“Today’s victory should be a wake-up call for PrimeFlight to bargain in good faith,” said TWU Organizing Director Angelo Cucuzza. “It’s past time to improve the wages and working conditions for hardworking Fuelers and provide greater economic security for their families.”
The TWU’s presence at Orlando International Airport includes Southwest Airlines Ramp and Provisioning Agents, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, American Airlines Fleet Service Agents, American Airlines Maintenance Workers, JetBlue Flight Attendants, JetBlue Flight Instructors, newly organized Brightline Passenger Rail Onboard Workers, and PrimeFlight Fuelers. The TWU is the largest union on property at MCO.