Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining
White House Trailblazer Award
The Airports Authority is building a strong foundation for the next generation of skilled professionals. In Fall 2024, the U. S. Department of Labor’ s inaugural Apprentice Trailblazer Program recognized 57 individuals for their commitment to skilled labor careers. Among those honored were the Airports Authority’ s very own:
• Jose Florian Gudiel – Reagan National heavy equipment mechanic
• Matthew Kanhai – Dulles electronics technician apprentice
• Jonathan Viera – Dulles electrician apprentice
• Omar Bustillo – Dulles electrical apprentice
Collective Bargaining
We uphold our commitment to labor relations respecting employees’ rights. With a signifi cant portion of our workforce represented by unions, we maintain open dialogue and collaboration with fi ve unions, covering skilled trades, public safety communications, fi refi ghting and law enforcement. Our Labor and Employee Relations Department ensures adherence to conduct and discipline directives, fostering a fair and harmonious work environment.
Our workforce includes 417 union employees, making up 24.9 percent of our employees. Five unions operate under their specifi c collective bargaining agreements.
• American Federation of Government Employees represents 41 percent of the skilled trades employees at Dulles Airport.
• American Federation of Government Employees Local 1118 represents 50 percent of the skilled trades employees at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports.
• Communications Workers of America Local 2252 represents 51 percent of our Public Safety communications workers and Traffi c Control Offi cers.
• International Association of Firefi ghters Local 3217 represents 88 percent of the Airports Authority’ s fi refi ghters.
• International Union of Police Associations Local 5004 represents 81 percent of the Airports Authority’ s police.
In 2025, 61.4 percent of union eligible employees were union members covered by collective bargaining agreements.
The Airports Authority’ s Labor and Employee Relations Department oversees and administers our Conduct and Discipline Directive and Labor Code. An Employee Relations counsel reviews collective bargaining matters.
Attendees shared stories about their professional journeys and accomplishments, received pins and certifi cates of recognition from Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and proudly represented the Airports Authority at this event.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | 2024 IMPACT REPORT 20
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY