Airport Workers Vote to Strike During the Democratic National Convention

Workers have sought more efficient scheduling, disciplinary and sick pay systems. More than 400 employees voted in favor of a strike yesterday.

(Airport Workers. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia International Airport.)

(Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia International Airport.)

Workers at the Philadelphia International Airport have reportedly voted to strike during the Democratic National Convention this month.

The employees, who work for contractors hired by multiple airlines, voted 461-5 last night to walk off their jobs during the DNC, according to the Inquirer. Out of 1,000 workers, 500 participated.

SEIU 32BJ, a union of property service workers, has long been trying to unionize baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants and other airport workers who have expressed interest in unionizing, the newspaper reports. Workers have sought more efficient scheduling, disciplinary and sick pay systems.

The union’s area vice president, Gabe Morgan, told the Inquirer that workers have received wage increases up to $12 after past protests. NewsWorks reported that during the last strike, airport business remained relatively unfazed.

The Democratic National Convention will run from July 25-28th. A strike date has not yet been set.

Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.