Some delegates to the Democratic National Convention say
they will fly into other airports rather than risk crossing any picket line set
up by airport workers at the Philadelphia International Airport.
The workers - who clean airplane interiors, handle
baggage at the curb, direct passengers through airport lines and help people in
wheelchairs - are employed by subcontractors who work for the major airlines.
On Tuesday, nearly 500 of them cast ballots saying they
would be willing to strike during the convention, although no strike date has
been set.
Spokeswomen for both the airport and the airport's
largest airline, American Airlines, say any protests by the workers will not
disrupt customer service.
A labor union, SEIU Local 32BJ, is trying to organize the
workers into a union, but has not, despite several years of effort. Former U.S.
Labor Secretary Robert Reich and other delegates have signed a petition
supporting the workers.
"I am a newly elected member to the DNC from
California and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Philly and
will be flying into New York City and driving into Philadelphia so as not to
cross a picket line," delegate Susie Shannon wrote in an email.
Source: Philly.com
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