Workers responsible for cleaning aeroplanes, handling trash removal, and assisting with wheelchairs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, on Monday went on strike to demand higher wages amid the Thanksgiving travel rush.
Charlotte is one of the busiest in the United States of America.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced the strike early Monday, emphasizing the workers’ demand for “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.”
According to union spokesperson Sean Keady, the strike was planned to last 24 hours, the ABC News reported.
Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services voted on Friday to authorize the work stoppage at the airport, which serves as a hub for American Airlines.
These companies, under contracts with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, are tasked with providing essential services like aeroplane cleaning, trash removal, and wheelchair assistance.
Workers, who had previously raised concerns, said they are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and car repairs. Despite performing crucial tasks that help maintain flight schedules, many workers reported living paycheck to paycheck.
Union officials noted that most employees earn between $12.50 and $19 per hour.
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“We’re on strike today because this is our last resort. We can’t keep living like this,” said Priscilla Hoyle, a cabin cleaner for ABM. “We’re taking action because our families can’t survive.”
Several hundred workers joined the strike, which affected about 800 employees, though the exact number participating remained unclear, according to union spokesperson, Ana Tinsly.
Charlotte airport officials anticipate this holiday travel season to set records, with approximately 1.02 million passengers expected to depart between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving. In a statement released Monday, officials assured they were “monitoring and actively engaged with all partners to ensure terminal operations are not impacted,” while also clarifying that the striking workers are not employed by the city’s aviation department.
As part of their demonstration, striking workers planned a late-morning rally and a “Strikesgiving” lunch, symbolizing the Thanksgiving meal many workers cannot afford this week, according to union representatives.
“Airport service workers make holiday travel possible by keeping airports safe, clean, and running,” the union said.
ABM stated its intention to mitigate any disruptions resulting from the strike. “At ABM, we appreciate the hard work our team members put in every day to support our clients and help keep spaces clean and people healthy,” the company said in a statement last week.
Prospect Airport Services acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the challenge posed by the strike during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
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