Service Employees International Union
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Phoebe Rogers, phoebe.rogers@berlinrosen.com, 914-343-9063
Gabby Arias, gabby.arias@berlinrosen.com, 908-230-3166

Amid Holiday Travel Chaos…

Airport Service Workers Announce Nationwide Day of Action in 15+ Cities to Raise Bold Demands for Improved Working Conditions, Living Wages

Activity planned at airports that control 45% of all U.S. domestic air travel; 65% of U.S. travel through major hubs \

Airport workers, community allies to demand Congress pass the ‘Good Jobs for Good Airports Act’

NATIONWIDE — Airport service workers across the industry announced Friday that they will be taking action around the country on December 8 at more than 15 airports, including some of the nation’s largest, in Chicago, Dallas, New York, Seattle and beyond. Workers who clean planes, handle baggage, assist wheelchair passengers and more will demand Congress pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, which will ensure airport service workers have a living wage, benefits and health care. Activity is planned at airports controlling 45% of all U.S. domestic air travel and 65% of all U.S. travel through major hubs.

In rallies, marches and public activity from coast to coast, airport workers are uniting to demand action to ensure a fair shot at a good life for the airport service workers who keep our airports safe, clean and running. They’re calling for a safe and stable workplace, a voice on the job and the pay needed to create a bright and healthy future for their families. Workers will also boldly demand that Congress call out unchecked corporate power, and take action to uplift the entire workforce, including Black and brown workers who often hold the lowest paid jobs in the air travel industry.

“Airport workers like me and working people all across the economy are fed up. Without us, no one could travel safely to visit their families over the holidays. Seeing smiles on passengers’ faces gives me a huge sense of pride, but it comes at a huge cost when I can’t support my own family on poverty wages. Airports connect all of us – and it’s time that jobs for those of us who keep airports safe, clean and functioning are good jobs you can actually thrive on. Congress must step up and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act,” said Verna Montalvo, a cabin cleaner at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Without healthcare, paid leave, safe working conditions or protections on the job, airport service workers—whose wages have been near poverty level for the past 20 years—are facing a crisis fueled by corporate greed. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will ensure airport service jobs within our publicly-funded airports have established wage and benefit standards that will help stabilize the workforce, keeping airports secure and travelers on time.

“Airport service workers are vital to keeping our world connected, our airports running, and passengers safe. For nearly three years they’ve sacrificed their health as essential workers, only to be treated as anything but. Now, airport workers are seizing their power alongside working people across the economy – from Starbucks to Amazon, fast-food to home care and beyond – to demand more from their employers and elected officials. Congress must back their demands and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, ensuring every airport worker across race, background and ZIP code can build a brighter future for their family,” said Mary Kay Henry, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

EVENT DETAILS

WHO: Thousands of airport service workers including baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors, security guards, wheelchair attendants and more
Workers across industries in solidarity with airport service workers 
Community partners
Elected officials

WHAT: Thousands of airport workers across 15+ cities to hold nationwide day of action to demand Congress pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2022

WHERE: 15 cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Newark, Phoenix, Seattle

**Email phoebe.rogers@berlinrosen.com for more details or to interview an SEIU worker or leader**

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