Philly airport workers to strike during Dem convention

Philadelphia airport workers will be going on strike while the city hosts the Democratic National Convention.

Security workers, baggage handlers and other airport workers voted Tuesday to walk off the job at the end of July, when thousands arrive at the city to pick the Democratic Party’s nominee.

{mosads}The workers have joined with other low-wage employees in attempting to organize, and the union aiding in the effort, 32BJ SEIU, said up to 1,000 workers could be on strike.

The workers are currently subcontractors hired by various airlines and are pushing for a $15 hourly wage and improved benefits. The subcontracted employees are also attempting to form a union, and 32BJ SEIU said their employers started to “illegally threaten them and silence their voices on the job.”

“We’ve tried to make our voice heard but our employers always find new ways to silence us with bullying and intimidation. It is time for us to have a union so that we can be treated with respect, have decent work schedules and benefits,” said Charles Jones, a baggage handler with PrimeFlight, one of the subcontractors.

No date for the strike has been set, but the Democratic convention runs from July 25 to 28.

The workers are also calling for Democrats to support the effort, arguing that the Democratic National Committee should support the strike and pushing the airlines to offer a better deal for workers.

“The hardworking men and women at the airport exemplify everything that the DNC platform is about. They are at the forefront of the fight to rebuild the middle class and address racial and economic disparities,” said Gabe Morgan, vice president of 32BJ SEIU.