If you were worried that strike at one of the nation’s busiest hub airports would complicate complicate your holiday travel plans, you’ll likely be relieved to know that the employees’ walkout won’t happen until after the Thanksgiving travel period.
Service Employees International Union Local 1 says that thousands of union members at Chicago’s O’Hare International — including baggage handlers, cleaners, security officers, and others employed by private contractors — will go on strike as part of their fight for a $15/hour wage and better working conditions, but not until Tues., Nov. 29.
Workers didn’t want to complicate travel plans for families and passengers flying for Thanksgiving, ABC-7 notes. With AAA estimating that 22 million Americans will fly for the holiday, a strike at a major airport like O’Hare could’ve had a major effect on travelers around the country.
The SEIU says in a statement that workers will take their protests to not just O’Hare, but nearly 20 of the nation’s busiest airports, including Los Angeles International Airport and Newark International Airport.
“Workers will send a message to the major airlines that it’s time they take responsibility for their standards of service and care for the nearly two million passengers who travel through those major airports each day and for the workers whose dedication and hard work help to generate $36 billion in profits for the aviation industry,” the union said.
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist