A local union chapter is adding 1,000 subcontracted Philadelphia International Airport workers to its
rolls, a change that will launch contract negotiations between the employees
and two American Airlines subcontractors, and put an end to many of the
periodic strike threats that loomed over PHL.
PrimeFlight and Prospect Airport Services – both employ baggage
handlers, cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants among other airport workers
– reached an agreement that recognizes their combined 1,000 employees as
members of 32BJ Service Employees International Union, according to city
officials.
Over the past few years, workers from both PrimeFlight
and Prospect would walk off the job
over their working conditions including payrates, which the picketers said were
below the $12 minimum wage set by the city in its lease agreement with the
airport. Their concerns often garnered the support of City Council members, who
would at times take part in the demonstrations.
American Airlines helped avert a strike
last month when they agreed to go to the table with union leaders. An American
exec said Tuesday the airline company is prepared to continue to take part in
those conversations.
"American Airlines respects the right of employees
and workers to organize,” Michael Minerva, American Airlines vice president
government and airport affairs, in a statement. “We were happy to help
facilitate the discussions in order to secure labor peace and continued
operational integrity at the Philadelphia International Airport."
With the addition of PrimeFlight's and Prospect's
combined 1,000 employees, SEIU now represents 1,400 at PHL.
“We commend American Airlines for bringing their
contractors, PrimeFlight and Prospect to the table and working towards an
equitable resolution for all parties,” said 32BJ SEIU President Hector Figueroa in a statement. “This is an
important moment in the national campaign to win dignity and respect for the
thousands of contracted airport workers across this country.”
Contract negotiations are the next step for the
subcontractors and their workers.
Source: Philadelphia
Business Journals
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