Philly Airport Workers Approve Strike During Dem Convention

July 15, 2016  
By Steven Wishnia and Neal Tepel

Philadelphia, PA – Service workers at Philadelphia International Airport voted overwhelmingly July 12 to strike sometime during the Democratic National Convention July 25-28.

The baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, airplane cleaners, and other workers employed by airline subcontractors authorized the walkout by 461–5. “What these workers are fighting for is what the Democratic National Convention is supposed to be about,” said SEIU 32BJ area vice president Gabe Morgan. The union has been campaigning to organize subcontractor workers at airports for the last few years, and staged a one-day strike here and at six other airports last November. Philadelphia requires that companies leasing space in the airport pay at least $12 an hour, but some workers are still paid less, and Morgan said the subcontractors have also fired union supporters. Read more