Philly airport workers threaten strike during DNC
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Some workers at Philadelphia International Airportsay they may go on strike while the Democrats are in town for the national convention at the end of the month. Travelers make their way through the Philadelphia International in May. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Striking workers could greet travelers at Philadelphia International Airport when the Democrats come to town for their national convention at the end of the month.
Gabe Morgan, director of Service Employees International Union 32BJ, said the airplane cleaners and wheelchair attendants he represents still don’t feel they have been treated properly by airport contractors and could walk off the job during the convention that runs from July 25 to 28.
“Previous strikes have not been geared toward attempts to be disruptive to passenger service, but we’re in year three of this now, and the workers are deciding to stop holding back,” Morgan said.
Morgan would not go so far as to say how likely a strike would be.
“Unless their issues are addressed, unless their rights are being respected on the job, the likelihood is very high that’s what they will do,” he said.
The workers did receive raises to $12 an hour under a city living wage regulation. And the last time they went on strike, the airport continued with business as usual.
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