Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina have decided to go on strike during the Thanksgiving travel week to demand higher wages. The strike was authorized by employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services, who started the work stoppage on Monday morning.
The Service Employees International Union announced the strike on Monday, stating that the workers are demanding an end to poverty wages and respect on the job, especially during the holiday travel season. These workers provide essential services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash, and assisting passengers in wheelchairs under contracts with American Airlines.
Many workers have expressed their struggles to afford basic necessities like food and housing on their current wages, which range from $12.50 to $19 an hour. This is significantly below the living wage for a single person in the Charlotte area, according to union officials. Despite the critical role these workers play in keeping the airport running smoothly, they often have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
The strike is expected to involve hundreds of workers who will continue the work stoppage throughout Monday. In addition to walking off the job, the workers plan to hold a rally and a “Strikesgiving” lunch to raise awareness about their situation. The union highlighted the importance of these workers in enabling holiday travel and emphasized the need for fair wages and working conditions.
Both ABM and Prospect Airport Services have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that they will take steps to minimize disruptions caused by the strike. ABM expressed appreciation for the hard work of their team members, while Prospect Airport Services recognized the potential impact of a strike during the busy holiday travel season.
This strike comes at a time when Charlotte Douglas International Airport is experiencing record-breaking holiday travel, with an estimated 1.02 million passengers expected to depart between Thanksgiving and the Monday after. The workers’ decision to strike highlights the urgent need for fair compensation and better working conditions in the airport services industry.
