CLT Airport Workers Strike As Thanksgiving Travel Surge Looms [WATCH]

Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, went on strike early Monday morning following an overnight vote in favor of the move.

The strike, organized by employees of American Airlines contractors ABM and Prospect Airport Services, is driven by concerns over “unfair labor practices and poverty wages.”

The workers involved in the strike include cabin cleaners, ramp workers, lavatory attendants, wheelchair attendants, and trash truck drivers.

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These employees play a crucial role in maintaining the airport’s daily operations, especially during busy travel periods such as the upcoming Thanksgiving week.

Many of the workers on strike earn as little as $12.50 an hour, a wage that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) says is insufficient to support a single person in Charlotte, North Carolina.

SEIU officials have stated that this wage is not considered a livable salary, particularly in an area where the cost of living continues to rise.

According to SEIU, “Airport service workers make holiday travel possible by keeping airports safe, clean, and running.

Despite their critical role in the profits that major corporations enjoy, many airport service workers must work two to three jobs to make ends meet.”

The strike began at 5 a.m. on Monday and is expected to continue throughout the week, coinciding with the high volume of travel expected for Thanksgiving.

On strike ✈️ Workers at @CLTAirport voted to strike days before Thanksgiving over what they call “unfair labor practices and poverty wages.”

Full story: https://t.co/8Ioa38mMkz pic.twitter.com/ZjlVBXtq4a

— WBTV News (@WBTV_News) November 25, 2024

Charlotte Douglas International is anticipating record passenger numbers this year, with more than 1 million passengers expected to depart between November 21 and December 2, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.

In addition to the strike, workers have organized events, including a rally at 11 a.m. and a “Strikesgiving” lunch at 1 p.m. The goal is to draw attention to their demands for higher wages and better working conditions.

#BREAKING: Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are on strike to protest what they say are unlivable wages. This comes after AAA projected Thanksgiving travel will set a new record. @ABCNews4 pic.twitter.com/BXWwXGgVLG

— Conley Grayson (@CGonTV) November 25, 2024

This strike comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned of record travel numbers this year, adding further pressure on airport operations as service workers voice their dissatisfaction with their pay and working conditions.

The outcome of this strike may have significant implications for the airport’s operations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

As the situation unfolds, airport officials and contractors are likely to face increased scrutiny over their handling of labor disputes, especially as the demand for air travel continues to rise.

The strike, coupled with the anticipated influx of travelers, will test the ability of Charlotte Douglas International Airport to maintain smooth operations during the Thanksgiving travel rush.

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