Velázquez Leads Letter Urging SkyHop Global to Negotiate in Good Faith with Striking New York Area Airport Workers

WASHINGTON -Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter along with 14 members of the New York Congressional delegation urging SkyHop Global to return to the bargaining table with striking shuttle drivers at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.

"It is time for meaningful negotiations to take place in order to achieve a basic agreement that guarantees every employee fair pay, job security, and union protection. As elected representatives, we have a strong interest in defending the rights of our constituents and holding employers accountable when they fail to fulfill their commitments," the lawmakers wrote.

"SkyHop management launched a relentless and illegal attack on worker rights and basic human decency. The company is required by the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate in good faith, but it refuses to do so. I am proud to stand with the New York Democratic Congressional Delegation as they fight alongside us for justice. We are not backing down. We will stay in this fight for as long as it takes - and we will win a strong, enforceable Teamster contract." said Robert Bellach, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 210.

SkyHop workers voted to unionize with Teamsters Local 210 in May 2024, but almost a year later they still do not have a contract. The 60 SkyHop Global drivers provide critical shuttle services for airline crew members at New York City area airports. Close to 95 percent of them are Black, Latino, Asian and other non-white ethnicities, and many are immigrants.

The strike began in November after the company repeatedly refused to bargain in good faith over wages, job security, and a union contract. Employees also allege that SkyHop retaliated against workers by cutting hours and firing pro-union drivers. The drivers have filed over 20 unfair labor practice charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board. Employees have also reported wage and hour violations, and some cases are now pending before the New York State Department of Labor.

SkyHop driver Jessica Gallegos said, "SkyHop management lied to us and broke their promises - and I made the mistake of believing them and voting against the union in the first election. When I stood up and organized, SkyHop retaliated by trying to intimidate me and then illegally firing me. I am on strike with my fellow drivers to get a fair contract. With the full backing of Local 210 and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, we are fighting back - and we are going to win."

In the Congressional letter, the Members stressed that continued disruption not only harms workers but also the broader travel network that depends on these essential services.

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Laura Gillen (NY-3), Dan Goldman (NY-10), George Latimer (NY-16), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), John Mannion (NY-22), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Grace Meng (NY-6), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Tom Souzzi (NY-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).

Teamsters Local 210 is the second largest Teamsters Local in New York representing workers in a wide range of industries. Airline workers are the backbone of Local 210, and their members work at airports across the eastern half of the United States.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

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