Workers at Philadelphia International Airport have voted overwhelmingly to walk off the job during the Democratic National Convention later this month.
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Of the 500 or so workers on shift Tuesday, 461 voted in favor of the strike, and only five were against, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
“We’ve tried to make our voice heard but our employers always find new ways to silence us with bullying and intimidation”. Airport workers are considered to be independent contractors who work for various airlines.
Their demands include an end to irregular scheduling, clarity on sick pay, a clearer disciplinary system, and a minimum wage of $15/hour.
“The airport is Philadelphia’s modern day plantation”, said the Rev. Greg Holston, of Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild (POWER).
“The hardworking men and women at the airport exemplify everything that the DNC platform is about”, Morgan said.
“Thirty years ago, airlines began subcontracting out work that used to be done by union workers”.
According to the Department of Transportation, airline profits hit a record high in 2015, with 25 major USA airlines raking in a combined $25.6 billion. The action will be supported by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 32BJ, which they are attempting to join.
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Honkala said her group has gathered a “stockpile” of various types of beans that will be cooked and fed to delegates, journalists and others who will be inside the Wells Fargo Center during Clinton’s nomination acceptance speech at the DNC.
