Charlotte Douglas airport workers strike days before Thanksgiving

On November 25, 2024By Littum

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have voted to go on strike effective Monday morning.

The strike includes workers employed by American Airlines contractors, ABM and Prospect over what they call “unfair labor practices and poverty wages.”

Airport workers participating in the strike include those who clean cabins and empty trash, as well as escorting passengers in wheelchairs. In addition to better pay, they also demand “respect on the job,” according to a press release.

The strike comes just days before Thanksgiving, when nearly six million Americans are expected to fly. More than a million are expected to travel through Charlotte Douglas between November 21st and December 2nd.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) said most workers on strike make between $12.50 and $19 an hour.

“We are on strike today because this is our last resort,” said Priscilla Hoyle, an ABM cabin cleaner. “We cannot continue to live like this. We are taking action because our families cannot survive.”

From Monday at At 5 in the morning, workers gathered at the airport with signs defending their cause.

“I’m tired of fighting and living paycheck to paycheck. I struggle every other week with my bills,” said Dorothy Griffin, another ABM employee. “Sometimes I can’t even order a week’s worth of groceries after I pay my bills because I barely do anything. I’m behind on my rent now because my paycheck just didn’t cover it.”

Several rounds of strikes are planned during Monday.

In the wake of the strike, ABM said it would take steps to minimize disruption.

Related: Charlotte-Douglas airport workers vote on potential strike amid holiday travel rush

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