Delta CEO: workers report ‘harassment' by union

Delta Air Lines’ chief executive says several workers have complained about union organizers visiting homes uninvited and “frightening” spouses and children.

A spokesman for the International Association of Machinists said the accusations are “completely not true.”

The IAM represents workers from Delta merger partner Northwest Airlines and wants to organize at the combined airline.

“We’ve been hearing from many of you that you’re concerned about the conduct of representatives of the IAM who are visiting your home without invitations, unannounced, frightening your spouse and your children, or in some cases blocking driveways to prevent you from leaving your home,” Delta CEO Richard Anderson said in a taped telephone message Thursday. “Conduct like this is harassment, that’s wrong.”

IAM spokesman Joe Tiberi acknowledged home visits by organizers but said “There has been no harassment.”

“I don’t understand why Richard Anderson would say something like that. That’s completely not true. We have been meeting with Delta workers. We have been warmly received. They were very happy to see us because Delta has denied us access to workers in the workplace.”

Anderson told employees to report problems and “if you feel threatened, please call the police.” He said concerns “will be fully investigated.”