U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez is leading a congressional effort to pressure SkyHop Global, a national airline crew transportation company, to return to the bargaining table with striking shuttle drivers serving New York City’s major airports.
In a letter sent this week, Velázquez and 14 members of the New York Congressional delegation—including Queens-based Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng, and Gregory Meeks—called on SkyHop CEO Kristine Scotto to “engage in good-faith negotiations” with the drivers, who have been on strike since November 2023 at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports.
SkyHop, founded in 2014, provides ground transportation services for airline crew members between airports and nearby hotels. The company currently operates in 33 airports across the U.S. and holds contracts with 15 airlines, including several major carriers.
The dispute stems from a labor organizing effort that began last May, when 60 drivers at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark voted to join Teamsters Local 210, launching what has become a year-long standoff with the company.
Officials close to Velázquez accused SkyHop of refusing to bargain in good faith, stating that the company retaliated against pro-union workers by cutting hours and terminating employees who supported unionization. Since the union vote, workers have filed 24 unfair labor practice charges against the company.
Velázquez’s office said the workers “felt they had no choice but to go on strike when SkyHop’s behavior did not change.” According to the letter, SkyHop has not met with New York drivers at the bargaining table 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 also noted that workers overcame “aggressive anti-union tactics” to unionize and expressed concern over “retaliation” claims and wage and hour violations that have been filed with the New York State Department 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 said. “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.”
Velázquez emphasized the importance of the drivers’ role within the broader air travel system, calling their work essential to “the smooth operation” of New York City airports.
“It’s vital that these workers get a fair shake,” she said. “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 comment.
Meanwhile, Velázquez’s office reported that the strike in New York has had a ripple effect. SkyHop drivers in Las Vegas organized in April 2025 and requested that the company recognize Teamsters Local 210. According to her office, SkyHop refused and subsequently fired seven Las Vegas workers. Six were reinstated after workers filed unfair labor practice complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing wrongful termination and other coercive conduct.
The Las Vegas NLRB election is scheduled to take place on May 22.
