O'Hare workers striking for higher wages; airlines say flights unaffected
Chanting "Fight for $15," baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors and wheelchair attendants workers picketed for better wages and benefits at O'Hare International Airport Tuesday.
The protesters, who mainly work for airline subcontractors, seek a $15-an-hour wage along with health insurance and union rights.
"A world-class airport should treat workers with respect," one woman told a crowd of about 400 during a noon rally.
Oliwia Pac earns $8.75 an hour plus tips as a wheelchair attendant, taking seniors or disabled travelers and their luggage through the airport. "It's a physically, emotionally and mentally draining job," she said. "I live paycheck to paycheck."
Despite the demonstration, all appeared normal inside O'Hare with security lines moving smoothly and flights arriving on time. "There were no issues whatsoever," Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman Owen Kilmer said.
"We literally have canceled zero flights today," American Airlines spokeswoman Leslie Scott said. "We're working closely with our vendors to ensure there is no disruption to our operation. American supports better pay for workers across the board but does not believe initiatives should target a specific group or industry."
United Airlines spokesman Charlie Hobart said "we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe and on-time operation for our customers."
But some workers said managers had to scramble to clean cabins and provide wheelchair service when employees didn't show up.
"Today they'll see how hard it is to clean," cabin cleaner Martin Chavez said.
The nonunion workers, who are getting support from Service Employees International Union Local 1, said high turnover and inadequate training are putting them and passengers in jeopardy.
Business traveler James Breech said he hadn't noticed any problems although he'd been warned about possible delays. "I forgot about the strike," he said.
Several Chicago aldermen promised to lobby the Department of Aviation and mayor to pressure airlines to require higher wages from their subcontractors.
"We're not going away," SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff said. "Next time we have to strike, we'll shut this airport down."