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Charlotte.- Airport services workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) could go on a 24-hour strike during the Christmas holidays to demand an end to what they call “poverty wages.”
Most of these airport services workers earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour.
However, the minimum living wage for a single person without children in the Charlotte metropolitan area is $23.26 an hour, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) said.
Given this, workers would vote this Friday, November 22, to decide whether to go on strike to demand an end to these salaries and unfair labor practices when the travel rush begins.
Frontline service workers announced the move just as the Thanksgiving travel rush begins, the SEIU said.
Also in the midst of the expectation is to receive one million passengers in the airport between Thursday, November 21 and Monday, December 2 for Thanksgiving.
The union explained that airport workers are hired by American Airlines, ABM and Prospect, and provide services such as cleaning cabins, emptying trash from planes and accompanying passengers in wheelchairs.
However, most of them are paid low wages, the union stressed.
He noted that their salaries have remained at near-poverty levels for the past 20 years.
He highlighted that Charlotte airport workers are barely surviving financially, and most of them claim that they do not receive paid vacations or sick days from their companies, which is why they have sought to go on strike.
Bad conditions
Workers hired by CLT live in poor conditions, the union said.
In a recent survey by 32BJ SEIU, a union affiliate, 40% of them declared they did not have safe housing, he said.
He described that some workers have been left homeless, sleeping in their cars or cramming their families into rented rooms.
While 55 in 100 said they had had difficulty paying utilities or said they had slept outside their own home in the last 12 months due to housing insecurity or other economic circumstances.
“I’m a single mother of five. Imagine having to look your kids in the face and tell them that they will soon have to leave home even though mom has a full-time job.
“I am constantly faced with difficult decisions and must make sacrifices to keep food on the table and a roof over my family’s heads. One job should be enough,” said ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle, according to the union.
I like this:
Charging…
**Beyond wages, what other issues are central to this negotiation, and how might solutions in those areas impact both the workers and the airport’s operations? **
## Potential Interview – Charlotte Airport Workers Strike
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we dive deeper into the headlines that matter. Today, we’re discussing the impending strike by airport service workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) planned for the busy holiday season. With us today are two guests:
* **Ms. Maria Sanchez,** a senior representative from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local chapter representing CLT workers.
* **Mr. John Davis,** a spokesperson for a consortium of companies providing airport services at CLT, including American Airlines, ABM, and Prospect.
**Section 1: Workers’ Wages and Living Conditions**
**Host:** Ms. Sanchez, the article mentions that workers are voting on whether to strike to protest “poverty wages.” Can you elaborate on the specific issues related to compensation and living standards faced by these workers?
**Ms. Sanchez:** Absolutely. Our members perform essential roles ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience at CLT, yet their wages barely cover basic necessities. Many are struggling to afford housing, food, and healthcare. The current minimum living wage in Charlotte is significantly higher than what most of these workers are making. Can you tell us about the impact this has had on their lives?
**Host:** Mr. Davis, the SEIU emphasizes that airport service worker salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living for the past 20 years. What’s the perspective of the companies operating at CLT regarding these wage concerns?
**Mr Davis:** We understand the concerns raised by the SEIU. However, we believe that the companies operating at CLT offer competitive wages and benefits packages within the current market conditions. We prioritize fair compensation and employee well-being.
**Section 2: Strike Threat and Impact on Travelers**
**Host:** Ms. Sanchez, the potential strike coincides with the Thanksgiving travel rush. What message do you want to send to passengers who may be impacted?
**Ms. Sanchez:** We understand this timing might cause inconvenience, but we hope passengers understand that this strike is a last resort for workers desperate to be treated fairly. This is about more than just wages; it’s about ensuring a dignified life for those who keep CLT running.
**Host:** Mr. Davis, what measures are being taken to mitigate potential disruptions to airport operations should the strike proceed?
**Mr. Davis:** We are actively engaging in discussions with SEIU and remain committed to finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved while minimizing disruption to passengers. We have contingency plans in place to ensure smooth operations should a strike occur.
**Section 3: Finding a Solution**
**Host:** Ms. Sanchez, what are the key demands the SEIU is pushing for in these negotiations?
**Ms. Sanchez:** We’re seeking a significant wage increase that aligns with the living wage in Charlotte, along with improvements in benefits, including paid leave and affordable healthcare. We want to ensure that these essential workers can adequately provide for themselves and their families.
**Host:** Mr. Davis, what are your thoughts on the SEIU’s demands?
**Mr. Davis:** We are committed to negotiating in good faith and working towards a fair and sustainable solution that addresses the needs of our employees while being mindful of the operational realities of running a major airport.
**Section 4: Conclusion**
**Host:** on behalf of World Today News, what message do you both have for the public as this situation continues to unfold?
**Ms. Sanchez:** We urge the public to stand with airport workers fighting for fair treatment. Their hard work is vital to the functioning of CLT and the local economy.
**Mr. Davis:** We are committed to open dialog and finding a solution that works for everyone involved. We value the contributions of our employees and aim to create a positive and supportive work environment.
**Host:** Thank you, Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Davis, for your insightful perspectives on this important issue. We hope these discussions will contribute to a fair and just resolution for all parties involved.
