Fuelers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) employed by PrimeFlight Aviation Services have voted unanimously on Monday to join the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), expanding the union’s representation at the nation’s seventh-largest airport. The vote, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), marks a significant step forward for the workers in their efforts to improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“We are ready to negotiate a first contract that will address significant issues with wages, benefits, and working conditions for PrimeFlight Fuelers,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “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 followed the National Mediation Board ruling in November, which determined that the Railway Labor Act does not apply to third-party ground service providers at airports such as PrimeFlight. As a result, the NLRB oversaw the unionization process for the fuelers.
Fuelers at MCO cited several workplace concerns as motivation for joining the TWU, including low pay, high job turnover, and inadequate working conditions. Workers reported challenges such as limited access to drinking water, the absence of a breakroom for lunch periods, and insufficient outer garment protection for inclement weather. Fuelers play a critical role in airport operations by handling fuel trucks, connecting hoses, and overseeing refueling procedures to ensure flights operate safely and on time.
PrimeFlight Aviation Services provides refueling services for major airlines at Orlando International Airport, including Southwest, Delta, American, and United. The unanimous vote to unionize signals a collective effort by workers to secure improved working conditions.
“Today’s victory should be a wake-up call for PrimeFlight to bargain in good faith,” Angelo Cucuzza, TWU Organizing Director said. “It’s past time to improve the wages and working conditions for hardworking Fuelers and provide greater economic security for their families.”
The TWU has an established presence at MCO, representing a diverse workforce that 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, and newly organized Brightline Passenger Rail Onboard Workers. With the addition of PrimeFlight Fuelers, the TWU remains the largest union at Orlando International Airport.
The move to unionize reflects broader labor organizing trends in the Orlando area. Brightline passenger rail onboard attendants also recently voted to join the TWU after facing a jurisdictional challenge from their employer. Brightline was represented in the union election by Littler Mendelson, a law firm known for advising companies on union avoidance strategies.
As negotiations for a first contract begin, fuelers at MCO are expected to push for significant improvements in their employment conditions. The outcome of these negotiations will likely set a precedent for similar ground service workers at airports across the country.