Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport went on strike Monday morning at the start of the busy Thanksgiving week to protest unfair labor practices and demand higher wages.
Officials with Service Employees International Union announced the strike by workers employed by American Airlines contractors, ABM and Prospect, in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Monday, after the workers on Friday voted to authorize their strike at the busy airport.
“The (employees) are paid so little that they struggle to secure basic housing,” SEIU officials wrote in the release. “Some have become homeless, sleep in their cars, or cram their families into rented rooms, while others face the looming threat of eviction.”
Americans are expected to set a new travel record this Thanksgiving. According to AAA, nearly 80 million are preparing to hit the roads, catch flights and board cruises over the holiday.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expecting a record-breaking 1 million passengers in the coming weeks, SEIU reported.
“American is ready to take care of our customers this Thanksgiving holiday,” an American spokesperson told USA TODAY on Monday afternoon. “There is no current impact to our customers or operation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a result of ABM or Prospect staffing, and we don’t expect any significant disruption this week. We remain in close coordination with ABM and Prospect as they proactively work to mitigate any potential impact.”
Worker says he is struggling financially
Timothy Lowe, 49, a Prospect wheelchair agent, told USA TODAY he’s been living in a storage unit for months because he can’t afford to rent an apartment.
Before that, he said he used to spend his “entire pay check” living in a hotel room.
“This is the best job I’ve had in a long time and I am here for the service but I don’t have enough to make it,” Lowe said Monday morning while on strike at the Charlotte airport. “I love talking to the passengers I help get home for the holidays but I need to be paid enough to afford an apartment and not have to rely on tips.”
Charlotte airport workers earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour, an SEIU spokesperson told USA TODAY. This is in comparison to the living wage for a single person with no children in the Charlotte-Metro area, which is $23.26 an hour, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.
Prospect releases statement on strike
Mid-Monday morning, Prospect spokesperson Suzanne Mucklow, released the below statement to USA TODAY:
“We recognize the seriousness of airport workers striking, particularly during the busy holiday travel season, and remain fully committed to addressing concerns and minimizing any disruptions to our operations during this critical time,” the statement reads. “Prospect Airport Services is proud to provide higher wages, experienced leadership, and comprehensive benefits to all our employees, including the dedicated team members working at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.”
Prospect threatening to fire workers who strike
According to a letter obtained by USA TODAY, Prospect is threatening to terminate workers who go on strike.
“It is Prospect’s position, that a strike under these circumstances is illegal under what we believe to be the applicable federal law,” the Nov. 24, letter reads. “We expect all employees to work their assigned shifts, and employees that engage in an illegal work stoppage will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.”
The company did not directly respond to questions about the Nov. 24 letter, but in its statement wrote it prioritizes transparent communication with its workers so they receive “fair compensation and robust career advancement opportunities.
“As we navigate this matter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service for our customers while supporting our team members,” the statement ends.
Workers began walking off the job at 5 a.m.
Workers began walking off the job starting with those assigned to 5 a.m. ET shifts, officials said.
The employees are slated to be joined by fellow service workers across industries including Workers United, the Union of Southern Service Workers, and elected officials for an 11 a.m. ET rally.
Laura Kelly, another wheelchair agent, said she received an eviction notice and is supposed to be out of her home by noon local time on Monday.
“I understand that passengers are worried that they may not be able to make it home for the holidays. But I have to worry that my family won’t even have a home this Thanksgiving,” Kelly, 44, said. “Instead of Prospect threatening to fire us, they should give us what we deserve so we can keep a roof over our heads.”