IAM Union Calls for Enhanced Ramp Safety Measures After Serious Injury

CHICAGO, Feb. 3, 2025 — Following a weekend incident at O’Hare International Airport in which an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union ramp worker at United Airlines was seriously injured in a collision between a plane and a tug vehicle, the IAM Union is continuing to demand stronger safety measures for all airline workers.

"We are thinking of our member who suffered serious injuries, and our union hopes for a speedy recovery," said IAM International President Brian Bryant. "The IAM Union will coordinate with authorities on the ground to ensure we have a full investigation of what went wrong. The IAM safety committee and EAP representatives are on the ground to assist and support our affected members."

"At least five airline workers have been killed and countless more injured on airport tarmacs in the last two years. Now, it is time for the FAA to complete and implement its congressionally-mandated study on ramp worker safety to help our industry improve the safety of airline ramp workers," said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. "The IAM Union is urging legislators to prioritize FAA reauthorization provisions that include ramp safety improvements before another incident occurs at one of our U.S. airports."

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

To address the growing concern for ramp worker safety, the IAM Union is advocating for several safety measures, including:

• Fatigue Management System: The union is proposing a Fatigue Management System to prevent ramp workers from performing their tasks when fatigued. This system would take appropriate mitigation actions to minimize the consequences of fatigue caused by shift work.



• Training Initiatives: The IAM Union is advocating for improved training initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of ramp workers. This includes regular training to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed and that workers are up-to-date with the latest safety practices.



• Safety Meetings: The union is promoting regular safety meetings to discuss and address safety concerns and issues. These meetings provide an opportunity for ramp workers to voice their concerns and for management to address any identified problems.



• Violation and Citation Programs: The IAM Union is advocating for violation and citation programs to enforce safety regulations and hold workers accountable for their actions. This includes penalties for non-compliance with safety procedures and guidelines.



• FOD Programs: The union is supporting FOD (Foreign Object Debris) programs to reduce the risk of aircraft damage and incidents caused by debris on the ramp. This includes regular inspections and clean-up efforts to minimize the presence of FOD.



• Collaborative Efforts: The IAM Union is promoting collaborative efforts between airlines, airports, and ground service providers to improve safety on the ramp. This includes sharing best practices, coordinating safety initiatives, and working together to address safety concerns.

Insert chart showing the number of ramp incidents and injuries over the past five years

By implementing these safety measures, the IAM Union aims to create a safer working environment for ramp workers and reduce the number of incidents and injuries on airport tarmacs. The union remains committed to working with authorities and legislators to ensure that ramp worker safety is a top priority.

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