Velázquez leads congressional name for SkyHop to barter with hanging NYC airport drivers.
By way of Getty Photos/QNS File
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez is main a congressional effort to strain SkyHop World, a nationwide airline crew transportation firm, to return to the bargaining desk with hanging shuttle drivers serving New York Metropolis’s main airports.
In a letter despatched this week, Velázquez and 14 members of the New York Congressional delegation—together with Queens-based Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng, and Gregory Meeks—referred to as on SkyHop CEO Kristine Scotto to “engage in good-faith negotiations” with the drivers, who’ve been on strike since November 2023 at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports.
SkyHop, based in 2014, supplies floor transportation companies for airline crew members between airports and close by inns. The corporate presently operates in 33 airports throughout the U.S. and holds contracts with 15 airways, together with a number of main carriers.
The dispute stems from a labor organizing effort that started final Might, when 60 drivers at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark voted to hitch Teamsters Native 210, launching what has turn out to be a year-long standoff with the corporate.
Officers near Velázquez accused SkyHop of refusing to discount in good religion, stating that the corporate retaliated in opposition to pro-union staff by chopping hours and terminating workers who supported unionization. For the reason that union vote, staff have filed 24 unfair labor observe fees in opposition to the corporate.
Velázquez’s workplace stated the employees “felt they had no choice but to go on strike when SkyHop’s behavior did not change.” Based on the letter, SkyHop has not met with New York drivers on the bargaining desk since Jan. 17, 2024.
“This dispute, which continues to negatively impact the workers’ livelihood, and disrupt shuttle services for airline crew members, merits urgent resolution,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter additionally famous that staff overcame “aggressive anti-union tactics” to unionize and expressed concern over “retaliation” claims and wage and hour violations which were filed with the New York State Division of Labor.
“It is time for meaningful negotiations to take place in order to achieve a basic agreement that guarantees every employee fair pay, job security, and union protection,” the lawmakers stated. “We urge you to return to the bargaining table expeditiously and engage in good-faith negotiations with your SkyHop drivers to reach a fair resolution.”
With drivers nonetheless on strike, federal lawmakers demand motion from SkyHop. By way of Getty Photos
Velázquez emphasised the significance of the drivers’ function throughout the broader air journey system, calling their work important to “the smooth operation” of New York Metropolis airports.
“It’s vital that these workers get a fair shake,” she stated. “Their demands aren’t radical, just decent pay, job security and the freedom to organize without fear of being fired. I’m proud to stand with them and with my colleagues in the New York delegation calling for a fair, respectful process that leads to a real contract.”
SkyHop has not responded to a request for remark.
In the meantime, Velázquez’s workplace reported that the strike in New York has had a ripple impact. SkyHop drivers in Las Vegas organized in April 2025 and requested that the corporate acknowledge Teamsters Native 210. Based on her workplace, SkyHop refused and subsequently fired seven Las Vegas staff. Six had been reinstated after staff filed unfair labor observe complaints with the Nationwide Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing wrongful termination and different coercive conduct.
The Las Vegas NLRB election is scheduled to happen on Might 22.
