Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, joined by a group of New York lawmakers, is stepping in to support striking SkyHop Global shuttle drivers, calling on the company to engage in fair and lawful negotiations after months of delays, alleged retaliation, and deteriorating working conditions.
“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 wrote in a joint letter sent to SkyHop’s leadership.
The strike, which began in November 2024, followed repeated refusals by SkyHop management to bargain in good faith with drivers over key issues, including wages, job security, and union recognition. Workers say the company responded with retaliatory actions, including cutting hours and firing pro-union employees. To date, more than 20 unfair labor practice charges have been filed with the National Labor Relations Board, and wage violation claims are currently under investigation by the New York State Department of Labor.
“SkyHop management launched a relentless and illegal attack on worker rights and basic human decency,” said Robert Bellach, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 210. “The company is required by the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate in good faith, but it refuses to do so.”
Teamsters Local 210—one of the largest Teamsters locals in New York—represents workers across various industries, with a significant presence in the airport and transportation sectors throughout the eastern U.S.
SkyHop drivers voted to unionize with Teamsters Local 210 in May 2024, but nearly a year later, they remain without a contract. The 60 drivers, many of whom are Black, Latino, Asian, or immigrants, provide critical shuttle services for airline crews at major New York-area airports, forming a vital link in the region’s travel infrastructure.
Some drivers, like Jessica Gallegos, say they initially trusted the company’s promises over union representation—a decision they now regret.
“SkyHop management lied to us and broke their promises — and I made the mistake of believing them and voting against the union in the first election,” Gallegos said.
Lawmakers noted that the impact of the labor dispute goes beyond the drivers, affecting airline operations and passenger services across the region. The letter backing the workers was signed by Velázquez and several prominent members of New York’s congressional delegation, adding pressure on SkyHop to resolve the dispute and return to the negotiating table.
