(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) - the Union that represents Flight Attendants and Ground Simulator Instructors at jetBlue Airways - supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) $2 million fine of jetBlue for chronically delaying flights.  

“jetBlue management is intentionally causing chronic delays through massive understaffing across the board,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “Instead of investing in Workers, JetBlue is dealing with massive turnover of critical workgroups like its Aircraft Maintenance Technicians through their industry-trailing wages, work rules and benefits. Management would rather waste money on Anti-Union consultants instead of hiring more Workers to get more flights arriving on time.”  

The USDOT’s $2 million fine is the first of its kind and was the result of jetBlue delaying four routes at least 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023.

The flights were between JFK Airport in New York and Raleigh-Durban International Airport in North Carolina, JFK and Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando International Airport in Florida, and Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.  

“This is an unprecedented fine that puts jetBlue and other airlines on notice - there will be penalties for airlines that fail to invest properly in their workforce,” TWU Airline Division Director Andre Sutton said.  

TWU Local 579 President Tyesha Best, who represents jetBlue Flight Attendants, said On-Board Staff are left to deal with the airlines’ disgruntled customers, while also having their lives upended by the airline’s frequent delays: “Our Members bear the brunt of management’s bumbled scheduling and inevitable flight delays lead to increased risk of fatigue, a serious safety concern. We, and our customers, deserve a company that properly staffs its operation and stops setting unrealistic flight schedules.” 

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: TWU Applauds DOT Fine of JetBlue for Chronic Delays – Caused by the Airline’s Failure’s Failure to Invest in Workers – Transport Workers Union