A group of nonunion workers at Philadelphia worldwide Airport will join their counterparts at airports in Chicago, Boston, New York, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Wednesday and Thursday in a coordinated national demonstration calling for higher wages and better working conditions.
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In Philadelphia, the 2,000 workers, who are employed by contractors hired by the airlines, are wheelchair attendants, sky caps, cabin cleaners, and bag handlers at luggage carousels who help passengers get their bags to the curb for tips. It was not immediately clear if the action would cause flight delays because airlines often have backup plans to avert disruptions.
At issue is the workers’ contention that they can not support their families on what they argue are poverty wages.
They all are contracted, mostly cabin and airport cleaners, and a few janitors and ramp workers.
It started around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night and extend into today.
The Port Authority of NY and New Jersey did not return a phone call regarding the effect the strike would have on their facilities.
One worker who cleans and checks plane interiors in NY says he now doesn’t make enough money to pay for rent.
He says he’ll be starting a second job next month. Were checking with airports and will update this post as soon as we hear back.
A similar walkout in July at New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airport was canceled after employees reached an agreement with their security services provider.
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A JetBlue spokesperson said the company “worked with our partners to ensure there are no flight interruptions”.
