Philadelphia airport baggage handlers, sky caps unionize

 (Matt Rourke/AP Photo, file)

(Matt Rourke/AP Photo, file)

Baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, sky caps and other workers employed by contractors at Philadelphia International Airport have voted to unionize.

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ has been trying for years to organize the subcontracted workers. They’ve held numerous walkouts in recent years to protest scheduling, sick pay, wages, and working conditions.

Tuesday’s vote was 406-58 in favor of joining the nation’s largest property services union.

Mayor Jim Kenney says the victory is a “proud moment for our city.”

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Kenney joined workers, elected officials and clergy members at a celebratory rally Thursday afternoon at a baggage claim area.

Wheelchair agent Wyedia Crosswell says the vote is about being able to negotiate a contract that builds toward a better future, for her and her daughter.

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