Over 1 Million Travelers at Risk as Charlotte Airport Workers Consider Holiday Strike

Workers shared that they face tough working conditions and call for better wages, unionization and benefits.

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Passengers stand in line to go through security at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 2, 2022. DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and travelers in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport may face disruptions.

Charlotte Airport workers are deciding on a vote to stage a 24-hour walkout during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, as more than 1 million passengers will pass through the airport.

Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services, the two companies responsible for a host of crucial services including cleaning airplanes, trash removal, and assisting passengers with disabilities, will vote on the walkout, according to AP News.

Why Charlotte Airport Workers Are Deciding to Strike During the Holiday

ABM workers shared their frustrations over low wages, lack of respect, and poor working conditions. They pointed out that workers often lack access to basic necessities like drinking water and struggle to make ends meet. "We're not treated fairly or paid enough," emphasizing that the strike vote aims to demand better pay and treatment.

Apart from low wages, employees are also calling for union representation, additional benefits include paid sick leave and vacation.

The Charlotte Airport employees believe that their roles are critical to airport operations, making their potential absence a major disruption. However, voting to strike is not an easy step for the workers since a day of pay would be lost, but such a move feels like the only alternative in order to make a meaningful change.

The Washington Post reported that both ABM and Prospect Airport Services collectively acknowledged the grievances, stating that they are taking steps to avoid it. ABM expressed gratitude to its employees for their hard work while pointing out its commitment to avoiding interruption of services. Prospect also repeated competitive pay and benefits with an open communication promise to its employees.

While airport travelers have mixed reactions to the move, some appreciate the workers' fight for better wages.

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Holiday season

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