Quantcast

Energy Transfer drivers call for NLRB vote to remove Steelworkers union

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Energy Transfer drivers call for NLRB vote to remove Steelworkers union
Webp 049mufsipw2uvrj2bt3je9d93anm
William L. Messenger Vice President and Legal Director (2023-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

Drivers employed by Energy Transfer, an oil and gas transportation entity operating in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, are seeking a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) vote to terminate the United Steelworkers (USW) union's bargaining powers over their workgroup. Jay Fifer, a driver from Hearne, TX, filed the petition with the NLRB, supported by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation's free legal assistance. If successful, this vote could release over 420 Energy Transfer drivers from the USW union officials' oversight.

The NLRB is responsible for enforcing private-sector federal labor laws, including conducting votes on union certification and decertification. The petition, which exceeds the signature requirement for a union decertification vote, is now under NLRB review.

Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana Right to Work laws prevent USW union officials from mandating payment of dues or fees for employment at Energy Transfer. Even in these states, union officials can still apply monopoly bargaining contracts to all employees within a work unit, regardless of individual union membership or support. Fifer's case highlights this issue, as work units can encompass hundreds of workers across multiple cities or states.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"Support among us drivers for this Steelworkers union is very low where I work. My colleagues at other locations have said similar things as well. It’s not fair for Steelworkers officials to dictate major things about our work lives when very few drivers at all are union members," stated Fifer. "I filed this petition because I firmly believe that the overwhelming majority of my coworkers don’t think this union represents us, and we hope the NLRB lets us exercise that right without any delays."

National Right to Work Foundation attorneys have recently assisted several worker groups nationwide in removing unwanted USW unions. Worker-filed petitions for union decertification votes have risen over 50% since 2020, according to NLRB data.

Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Foundation, commented, "American workers should not have to accept the ‘representation’ of a union that lacks worker support in the workplace, and more and more workers are standing up to free themselves." He further advocated for the ability to freely vote out a union, a right he believes was jeopardized under previous NLRB leaders. Mix added, "As President Trump seeks new appointees for the NLRB, he should remember that workers all over the country like Mr. Fifer and his colleagues believe they are better off free from union influence, and those workers deserve to have their voices and will respected."

More News

Finnair has announced that it will furlough 36 long-haul pilots from the end of September until at least May 2026.

Apr 30, 2025

Delta Air Lines initially placed a significant order for the McDonnell Douglas MD-90, a continuation of the DC-9 family and associated with the MD-88.

Apr 30, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the introduction of its first long-range Airbus A350-900 to replace the Boeing 777-200LR for flights to Adelaide, Australia.

Apr 30, 2025

Etihad Airways has unveiled the seating configuration for its soon-to-be-introduced Airbus A321LR twinjets.

Apr 30, 2025

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Australia closed its borders, causing international flights and the tourism industry to cease operations.

Apr 30, 2025

A recent incident at the Delta One Lounge in Los Angeles International Airport has sparked controversy and discussions about tipping etiquette in airport lounges.

Apr 30, 2025