Airport staff allege workplace bullying; council welcomes new GM as airport contracts clear committee

ATLANTA — A long-serving airport employee used the Transportation Committee’s public‑comment period on Tuesday to accuse a Department of Aviation manager of persistent bullying and retaliation, and council members approved a series of airport contracts and welcomed the airport’s new general manager.

What happened in public comment: Michael Jones, who identified himself as a 22-year airport employee, said he and co-workers have been repeatedly disciplined and that “Christopher Jackman is nothing more than a bully.” Jones accused the department of failing to act after internal interviews and said employees had not received retro pay owed from July 2021; he urged council oversight and an investigation. The remarks were part of the meeting’s public comment segment.

Council response and new leadership: The committee introduced the airport’s new general manager, Ricky Smith, who told the panel, “It is truly an honor to be here” and said he would be “an open book” and “as transparent as possible.” Several council members said the administration and the committee stand ready to help address concerns raised by airport staff.

Security and contracts approved: The committee approved multiple airport items by voice vote, including a reimbursable Delta Airlines lease amendment related to gates and club space (authority to execute a lease amendment with a reimbursable amount to Delta not to exceed $88,200,000.00) and a one‑year renewal for license‑plate‑reader installation, maintenance and support services with Flock Group. Both measures passed with favorable votes (Delta lease 6 yays, 0 nays; license plate reader renewal 6 yays, 0 nays). Assistant General Manager Candace Brown said the airport has installed new camera and vehicle‑monitoring systems and that the license‑plate readers cover “outer perimeter roads” and aid coordination with Atlanta Police Department.

Allegations and limits of the public record: Jones’s allegations are his statements during public comment. The committee did not take a disciplinary or investigatory action in the meeting record; the council and airport leadership said they would follow up.

Other public comments: A separate speaker, identified as Dr. Robinson, asked why large concession operators and ride‑hail companies can owe the city millions in fees and continue operating; he also criticized recent parking fee increases at the airport as sudden and urged a phased approach.

What the committee approved (selected): - Delta: authorized an amendment to the airport use and lease agreement involving surrender of certain Concourse B space and related reimbursable work to Delta, not to exceed $88,200,000.00 (vote 6–0). - License plate readers: authorized a one‑year option for contracted license‑plate‑reader equipment, installation and maintenance with Flock Group (vote 6–0).

What’s next: Committee members said they will follow up on the public complaints and noted the new general manager’s offer to be available and transparent; separate inquiries about personnel and disciplinary processes are subject to internal HR procedures and were not resolved at the meeting.