Philadelphia airport workers vote to strike during DNC

City and airport leadership were warned. Now hundreds of Philadelphia International Airport's security workers, baggage handlers and cabin cleaners plan to walk off the job during the Democratic National Convention.

The employees voted to strike Wednesday morning, citing their continuing battle for a $15 per hour payrate.

Just last week, the workers won a years-long battle to get all of PHL's subcontractors to pay a $12 hourly wage, according to SEIU 32BJ union, which has contributed to the employees' organization efforts. The $12 rate became a city mandate this year per the use and lease agreement former Mayor Michael Nutter signed in 2015.

Despite the victory, the war wages on – part of the "Fight for $15" that has become a mantra of fast food workers and other minimum wage earners around the country. Several other airports around the country, like in San Francisco and St. Louis, have a $15 rate.

The workers come from three PHL subcontractors: McGinn Security, Prospect Airport Services and Prime Flight Aviation Services.

“It is not an easy decision to go on strike. We aren’t striking because we want to, we are striking because we have to,” said Prospect wheelchair attendant, Erickson Tarlue, in a statement.

McGinn Security declined to comment on the impending strike. Prime Flight and Prospect representatives did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

The DNC is July 25 to 28, although the city could see many visitors – like dozens of media members set to cover the convention – arrive sooner.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal