Service workers at the Philadelphia global airport just voted to go on strike during the Democratic National Convention later this month, seeking a higher minimum wage. Nearly 1000 baggage handlers, airline cleaners, wheelchair attendants, and other airport employees will walk off their jobs to demand better pay, more regular scheduling, greater transparency on sick leave policy and disciplinary systems, and, incidentally, the right to unionize. About 1,000 employees work for subcontractors hired by airlines.
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“The hardworking men and women at the airport exemplify everything that the DNC platform is about”.
“The convention will bring thousands of delegates, media and visitors to Philadelphia and this site will help everyone keep on top of changing traffic conditions and information about street closures and restrictions”, Wolf said in a statement.
No specific date for the strike has been set, but the Democratic convention runs from July 25 to 28.
The union said the workers hope to garner support from the Democratic National Convention, which is expected to confirm former secretary of state Hillary Clinton as its candidate for president in the November election.
He wouldn’t say how likely a strike during the DNC would be, but said that the airport has continued with business as usual during past strikes. “Fifteen dollars an hour is a plank in the DNC”, Morgan said.
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He also noted that some workers attempting to organize have been fired.
