The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Rail Division and the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU/IAM) have announced a successful unionization effort for 90 Alstom employees who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The results of the election were made public on August 20, 2025.
These Alstom workers are responsible for running Atlanta’s automated people mover system, which transports around 250,000 passengers each day between terminals at what is considered the world’s busiest airport. Employees cited job security, fair wages, better working conditions, and having a stronger voice as main reasons for seeking union representation.
Organizers from IAM and TCU/IAM worked with these employees to explain union benefits and foster unity among them. The win highlights a trend among transportation workers across the country who are organizing to improve their workplace conditions.
Following this vote, TCU/IAM will begin preparations for collective bargaining aimed at securing an initial agreement 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 in 2025, Alstom delivered new Innovia APM R vehicles to Hartsfield-Jackson as part of an $87 million project—its largest APM replacement contract so far—which aims to improve reliability for travelers using the Plane Train system. In 2024 alone, over 108 million passengers traveled through this 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 about 600,000 active and retired members across several industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, manufacturing, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive sectors among others.
