Philly airport workers vote to strike during the DNC

[tk2kewl]

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, airplane cleaners, and other workers at Philadelphia International Airport voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to walk off their jobs in protest during the Democratic National Convention this month, according to a union that wants to organize them.

...

The vote, which took place at the airport, was 461-5 in favor of striking out of 500 on shift Tuesday participating. The workers, who number about 1,000, work for subcontractors hired by various airlines.

...

The purpose of the DNC is to lift workers out of poverty," Morgan said. "What these workers are fighting for is what the DNC and the convention is supposed to be about."

...

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20160713_Philly_airport_workers_vote_to_strike_during_the_DNC.html

[AntiBank]

1. good for them

union re-empowerment is fundamental for a truly social democracy

[fleabiscuit]

2. Just cuz or is there a contract dispute? eom

[tk2kewl]

3. follow the link

The workers are seeking better scheduling, clarity on sick pay, a more predictable disciplinary system, and to be able to unionize.

[Cryptoad]

9. ,,, and it the DNC fault? geeez

seems they don't know who the enemy is!

[tenderfoot]

11. It's meant to undermine them and to further damage unions

that's the plan. This has nothing to do with working conditions. If they're so concerned, why wait until now?

[Javaman]

14. because unions have been purposedly destroyed by the right wing in this nation for decades

and the Democrats sat on their hands the entire time.

I think it's the prefect time to shine a big light on the fault of the Dems and we as a nation of how we have abandoned unions.

striking is soooooo inconvenient, right?

[tenderfoot]

16. Which is why I ask "Why now?"

Why weren't they striking in 2008? Or 2012?

You don't have treat me poorly over that.

[Javaman]

18. because they were and no one paid attention.

it's been an on going thing.

They have been having labor and contract issues for years.

[tenderfoot]

19. Thank you for explaining that to me in a civil tone.

eom

[Javaman]

20. I only responded that way because you came across as accusatory.

there, we're even now.

[tenderfoot]

21. You were rude off the bat

eom

[Javaman]

22. oh ffs.

you really want to play, "you were mean first" childish bs?

[tenderfoot]

23. Your signature says "hello"

[fleabiscuit]

10. That's a tough spot.

Everyone in my union was aware of the possibility of having a US Marshall arrive at 3 in the morning at your house for starting a wildcat strike. A real tough spot.

[Ash_F]

4. Very courageous

[riversedge]

5. Does not look like they have a union at present...

....Gabe Morgan, area vice president for SEIU 32BJ, which has been trying to unionize airport workers, said years of worker protests had already led to wage increases to $12 an hour.

The Philadelphia convention host committee declined to comment.

Morgan said no date for a strike had been set. The convention runs from July 25 to 28.

"The purpose of the DNC is to lift workers out of poverty," Morgan said. "What these workers are fighting for is what the DNC and the convention is supposed to be about."

Morgan said other area unions have fair contracts and thus would not have strikes during the convention, but that's not the case for the airport workers. He said that workers pushing for unions have been fired from their jobs.

[elleng]

6. "The purpose of the DNC is to lift workers out of poverty,"

if only!

[840high]

12. Yes. - sigh

[mahina]

7. Having had to go to Philly every February for a decade, I don't know how anyone would know.

But I only take a carryon.

Never saw an airport worker. It was memorable. Maybe that's why they're pissed...too much work for too few people.

[Auggie]

8. More power to them ...

I'm sick of seeing hard-working people get shafted while the people they work reap huge rewards.

[Gothmog]

13. I am driving to the Philadelphia convention

I will miss this fun.

[tk2kewl]

15. Same here

[MichMan]

17. Will the delegates refuse to cross?

If it is not settled and they picket, do you think the delegates flying in will honor the picket line & refuse to cross?