Strikes in 15 US airports against low wage, unjust conditions
The Good Pay for Good Airports act would enforce a $15-an-hour minimum wage for airport employees and add paid time off, holidays, healthcare benefits, and more.
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Airline pilots on strike in Texas (Dallas Morning News)
15 airports across the US, including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and others, are witnessing protests urging Congress to pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act - which would provide them with a base level of pay and additional benefits.
Boston’s Logan International Airport, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport are also witnessing strikes in a more formal fashion, but it remains unclear whether the strikes are affecting airport service as no major delays have been reported.
The Good Pay for Good Airports act enforces a $15-an-hour minimum wage for airport employees and adds paid time off, holidays, healthcare benefits, and more. Protesters who advocated for the bill gathered at the Capitol in Washington DC, as they were joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and those who introduced the bill: Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal.
Swissport International AG is the main employer strikers are protesting against, stating that they have been working under unjust and unsafe conditions and low pay, which the company denied as it added that its wages are considered competitive. Some allegations against the company also claim wage theft and union busting (the prevention of the formation of trade unions).
According to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), workers who unload luggage at LaGuardia International Airport in New York are being told to work as cabin cleaners as well, which isn't part of their contract - especially as they are being given just a few minutes to complete the latter task.
Outside the US, the UK is handling its own strikes also, as airline workers are anticipated to strike from December 23 to 26 and December 28 to New Year’s Eve, impacting six airports in London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Glasgow.
After the pandemic, pilots all around the world suffered both unjust conditions from their employers due to the high volumes of travel and service issues.
