Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports, went on strike Monday, disrupting services during the peak Thanksgiving travel period. The workers, who clean airplanes, remove trash, and assist passengers with wheelchairs, are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced the strike in a statement, calling for “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The work stoppage was expected to last 24 hours, according to union spokesperson Sean Keady.
The strike involves employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services, two companies that contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cabin cleaning, trash removal, and passenger assistance. The workers’ decision to strike came after voting on Friday to authorize the action.
Union officials say the workers, who are essential to maintaining airport operations, are struggling to make ends meet, with many earning between $12.50 and $19 per hour. Workers have previously voiced concerns about their inability to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and car repairs.
“We’re on strike today because this is our last resort. We can’t keep living like this,” said ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle. “We’re taking action because our families can’t survive.”
The strike affects several hundred workers, although the union did not provide an exact figure on the number of workers who walked off the job. The union represents about 800 workers at Charlotte airport.
Charlotte airport officials said the strike comes during what is expected to be the busiest holiday travel season on record, with over 1 million passengers departing between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving. Airport officials emphasized they were working with all partners to ensure operations were not significantly impacted, noting that the striking workers are employed by contractors, not the city’s aviation department.
In addition to the work stoppage, striking workers are holding a rally and a “Strikesgiving” lunch to highlight the hardships they face. The lunch is intended to replace the Thanksgiving meal many workers say they cannot afford.
“Airport service workers make holiday travel possible by keeping airports safe, clean, and running,” said the union.
Both ABM and Prospect Airport Services acknowledged the potential for disruptions and said they would take steps to minimize any impact. “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,” said ABM in a statement. Prospect Airport Services also recognized the seriousness of the strike during such a busy period but did not elaborate on any specific plans to address the situation.
