Delta Tells Employees to Buy Video Games Instead of Joining Union

Officials from Delta Air Lines admitted Thursday it was behind a poster telling nonunion employees to buy video games instead of paying union dues.

According to NBCNews.com, the sign is part of Delta's "Don't Risk It, Don't Sign It" campaign, which is an effort from the airline to convince its flight attendants, ramp workers and cargo agents to not join the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM).

The official Twitter account of the IAM shared an image of the announcement and its thoughts:

Insulting. Without an IAM contract, many @Delta workers have to work 2-3 jobs just to survive. They have no time to play games. #DoBetterDeltapic.twitter.com/UVM0PR2fKC

- Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 9, 2019

A Delta spokesperson told NBC News the campaign was established to preserve "the direct relationship we have with our employees." The airline also said its employees "have the best total compensation in the industry, including the most lucrative profit-sharing program in the world."

Several members of Congress have voiced their disapproval of Delta's campaign, including Bernie Sanders, who shared his feelings on Twitter:

Delta told employees to buy video games instead of forming a union. What a disgrace.

Delta's CEO made nearly $22 million in 2017 while paying ramp agents as little as $9/hour.

I say to Delta: Stop trying to undercut workers' right to form a union and negotiate for better wages. https://t.co/8fx30jIfJf

- Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) May 9, 2019

Union officials also released a statement about the airline's stance by saying Delta "resorted to defaming and spewing lies and misrepresentations about the IAM."

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